MARKUS BABBEL believes the loss of influential midfielder Barry Ferguson will be huge for Blackburn Rovers.

Ferguson is out for the rest of the season after breaking his knee-cap against Newcastle on Sunday.

It is a bitter blow for Rovers, who have already lost David Thompson for the season, and have fellow midfielder Steven Reid on the treatment table.

Babbel, one of Rovers' heroes at St James' Park, spoke for the rest of the dressing room when he said it was a major setback to lose Ferguson in such circumstances.

"It's a big blow for us. Barry has been one of our better players," said Babbel.

"He's the kind of player you can give the ball to all the time, even when things aren't going well for us."

Babbel is no stranger to long-term lay-offs in football, and knows exactly what Ferguson will go through over the next six months.

In 2001, he was laid down with the potentially deadly virus Guillaine-Barre syndrome, which kept him out of action for practically two seasons.

Now the German hopes to see Ferguson back as soon as possible.

Babbel said: "I just hope he comes back soon. I'm not sure exactly what happened but it didn't look nice so I just hope he makes a speedy recovery."

Ironically, Ferguson spoke only last week of how he was enjoying life at Ewood after moving out of a hotel and into a house.

He said: "The first four or five weeks were always going to be difficult, but I feel I've settled in. The club have been brilliant."

Rangers captain Craig Moore has sent his best wishes to his predecessor at Ibrox.

Moore said: "I am gutted for Barry.

"He has been exceptional for Blackburn in the last four or five games and it's a real blow for him.

"He's a good mate and I hope he has a speedy recovery."