BLACKBURN defender Andy Todd is facing a battle to win his shirt back in the wake of Rovers' gutsy victory at Loftus Road on Monday night.

Todd was axed from the squad that beat Fulham after he had refused to be a substitute against Leeds United two days earlier.

And now his route back into the side would appear to be blocked by Craig Short and Lorenzo Amoruso, who both performed admirably under considerable pressure in the capital.

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness had hoped to name Todd on the bench to face Leeds after taking the decision to pair Short and Amoruso together at the heart of his defence.

However, the former Bolton star was unhappy to learn he had been dropped from the side that was comprehensively beaten by Liverpool six days earlier and subsequently declined a place on the bench against United, which forced Souness to change his team-sheet less than an hour before the club's biggest game of the season.

A club insider said: "Andy turned up for training on Friday morning but complained of feeling unwell so he was sent home to rest.

"On the same day, Graeme then got told that Craig Short would be fit to play against Leeds because he hadn't pulled his muscle after all.

"So Graeme then decided he'd start with Craig and Lorenzo but he wanted Andy on the bench as cover because he knew one of the other two might break down at any time.

"Andy was then told on Saturday that he was down as a sub and he'd probably get on at some point but he said he'd rather not play at all.

"There wasn't an argument or anything but it meant the coaching staff had to change the team-sheet barely an hour before kick-off, which is hardly ideal going into the club's biggest game of the season."

Although Souness has decided not to axe Todd from his plans altogether, it's difficult to see an immediate way back for the 29-year-old, particularly after Rovers picked up a vital three points in his absence.

Barring injuries, Short and Amoruso will keep their places for Saturday's massive six-pointer against Leicester, where a win for Rovers would open up a yawning nine-point gap between them and the Foxes.

Meanwhile, Fulham defender Zat Knight could be charged with violent conduct after it was alleged that he head-butted Rovers striker Jon Stead during Monday night's match.

Referee Mike Dean missed it but the FA will review videos of the incident.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman admitted Knight was lucky to escape a red card on the night.

"He made contact with his head," said Coleman. "If the ref saw it, he'd have been sent off, but he didn't and it's as simple as that.

"I hope he doesn't get a ban, but we'll have to wait and see what happens.

"Zat lost his head and we don't condone that sort of thing. He's a nice lad and not malicious, so we 'll keep our fingers crossed."

Rovers' reserves are in action against Manchester United at Morecambe's Christie Park tonight (kick-off 7pm).