UNDER-FIRE defender Lorenzo Amoruso is facing a race against time to be fit for next week's UEFA Cup clash with Genclerbirligi at Ewood.

The former Rangers star missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Leeds with a knee injury and now faces a week of intensive treatment in a bid to make next Wednesday's return leg against the Turks.

The 32-year-old endured a torrid time as Rovers crashed to an embarrassing defeat in Turkey two weeks ago.

Manager Graeme Souness accused the Italian of lacking concentration after he was repeatedly caught out during Genclerbirligi's 3-1 victory.

However, with Craig Short and Markus Babbel still sidelined by injuries, Amoruso's European experience could prove to be vital as Rovers attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit in a match which may define the rest of their season.

Souness's £1.4 million summer signing has been troubled by the injury for some time and had to have some fluid drained from his knee towards the end of last week.

He will now undergo a further week of intensive rehabilitation with a view to being ready to face the Turks.

Souness could certainly do with a timely boost right now after Rovers' defensive deficiencies came back to haunt them at Elland Road on Saturday.

Once again, two more soft goals condemned Rovers to a fourth defeat in five games.

And in stark contrast to last season, Brad Friedel has yet to keep a clean sheet this term.

In the meantime, former Ewood favourite Henning Berg has added further fuel to the fire by suggesting that Souness was wrong to release him in the summer.

"I felt I did well last season for Blackburn and helped them finish sixth in the Premiership," said Berg, who is now with Rangers.

"I played some of the best football of my career. I was injured a lot and when I didn't play the results were not so good. I'm not saying one man makes a team but the results were better when I was out there.

"I had seven good years at Blackburn and wanted to stay for another season. I was so surprised when they didn't offer me a new deal. I didn't leave over money -- there was no offer to knock back or negotiate.

"So, yeah, maybe I feel I have a point to prove to some people down there."

Meanwhile, Rovers have several players away on international duty this week.

Steven Reid will be in Basle for the Republic of Ireland's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier with Switzerland on Saturday.

And Tugay is in the Turkish squad for their crucial group 7 clash with England in Istanbul.

Barry Ferguson will also lead the Scotland midfield when they take on Lithuania at Hampden Park.

And Paul Gallagher is in the squad for the Scottish U21s that take on Lithuania on Friday.