BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Barry Ferguson is almost ready to start training with the rest of the first team.

The Scotland skipper has been sidelined since December 28 when he dislocated a knee-cap in the Premiership match with Newcastle United at St James' Park.

But after months of painstaking rehabilitation work under the watchful eye of club physio Dave Fevre, Ferguson is now on the road to a full recovery.

And the 26-year-old former Rangers star hopes he may even be back in time to play a part in the final run-in as Rovers attempt to secure the points they need to ensure Premiership survival.

"Barry is still working out at the Academy, but he's almost ready for the final push," revealed Rovers' assistant manager Tony Parkes.

"He's working really hard and I expect that he will be ready to join the rest of the squad before too long."

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness is hoping to arrange a special practice match at some point in the next seven days with a view to easing Ferguson back into action.

Although Souness has stated he would prefer not to rush Ferguson back if Rovers achieve their safety target in the next two games, the player himself is itching to play again before the end of the campaign.

For that to happen, however, he must prove his fitness in the next fortnight.

The club's medical staff are happy with the recovery Ferguson has made from his operation and now the main focus of his rehabilitation work is geared towards building up the muscles in his leg in readiness for an eagerly awaited competitive comeback.

So far, Ferguson has refused to set a date for a possible comeback but he's continuing to make steady progress.

"I'm not setting any targets because I will be disappointed if I don't reach them," said the Scot.

"The idea is to take each day as it comes and hopefully my leg is going to get stronger.

"As soon as I feel right, I'll come back and I'm really looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, Scotland boss Berti Vogts is counting down the days to when Ferguson returns to the international stage.

Vogts believes the return of his captain from injury holds the key to the success of the national team and he's keen to welcome him back at the earliest opportunity as his side have lacked a leader as well as a play-maker who can also tackle.

Vogts said: "In August, the skipper is back in the team and we will be right for the World Cup campaign.

"He is the organiser in the midfield. You need an organiser in the back four and a leader on the pitch.

"Paul Lambert is no longer playing and we are playing now with a totally different midfield. That is a problem.

"The midfield is the heart of the team. You know why Rangers are having problems? They miss Barry Ferguson.

"It is also a problem for Blackburn. They are missing Barry Ferguson in the midfield.

"He is a talker and an organiser and that's what you need. My boys are very quiet. Too quiet."