BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder David Thompson is hoping to be fit for next week's trip to Newcastle United.

The former Liverpool and Coventry City star saw his long-awaited comeback cruelly cut short by a fresh injury set-back in last week's game against Manchester United.

Thompson lasted just 17 minutes of his first competitive outing since November last year before he was forced to hobble off with an ankle problem.

But the injury has since responded to treatment and Thompson is hoping to return to training by the middle of next week, which gives him a chance of facing the Magpies.

"I think I've got a good chance of making it," said Thompson.

"At the moment, my ankle is still inflamed but the inflammation is coming down and it's probably decreased by about 50 or 60 per cent.

"It's going to be another three or four days before I can start training again but if I'm back by the middle of next week then I might have a chance of being ready for the Newcastle game."

After working so hard to get himself back to full fitness again following nine months out with a serious knee injury, Thompson was devastated to see his comeback wrecked so prematurely.

Thankfully, however, the 26-year-old's latest enforced spell on the sidelines should prove only temporary.

"I was absolutely devastated," said Thompson. "It could have been perfect. We were live on Sky, we were playing Manchester United and if I could have helped us get a good result then it would have been mega for my confidence.

"I wouldn't have minded coming off after an hour but to get injured after 17 minutes was gutting.

"I didn't get any satisfaction from it at all.

"It's just really frustrating as a footballer when you can't do your job but hopefully I've had my share of bad luck now and my fortunes are about to change for the better."

In the meantime, Rovers have slashed the prices for their forthcoming Carling Cup clash with Bournemouth.

Season ticket holders will pay just £10 (non-season ticket holders £12) to watch the second round tie at Ewood Park on Wednesday September 22 (kick off 7.45 pm).

Juniors, young adult season ticket holders and senior citizens will pay only £5.

"We are always looking at ways to drive attendances and reward loyalty and this is a typical case in point," said Rovers chief executive John Williams.

"These prices will apply to all other areas of the ground."

Season ticket holders will have from Monday until close of business on Saturday September 11 to claim their seats.

Remaining tickets will go on sale form Monday September 13.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the ticket office, by postal application (include a letter, payment and an SAE), or by phoning the credit card hot-line on 08701 123456.