REPUBLIC of Ireland international Damien Duff is now setting his sights on next weekend's Premiership clash with Arsenal.

The Rovers winger, who celebrated his 24th birthday last week, is still working to overcome a hamstring strain that has kept him out of action for six weeks.

There was a possibility that he may have made a comeback last night in an away reserve team trip to Aston Villa, but Rovers decided to err on the side of caution.

A club spokesman explained: " We decided that, on balance, it was better not to include Damien in the reserve side.

"He has made a marvellous recovery, his fitness levels are high and we felt that he didn't need the conditioning work of a match."

It means that Duff now has the major target of the Gunners in mind with the Premiership leaders and reigning champions coming to Ewood Park next Saturday.

The only recognised first teamer to get a run against Villa last night was central defender Martin 'Tiny' Taylor, but that did not stop Rovers recording an impressive 5-2 victory.

Arguably the star turn was youth team striker Paul Gallagher who enhanced his growing reputation by bagging two goals and he was only denied a hat-trick when Villa keeper Stefan Postma saved a second half penalty.

Rovers reserve team manager Alan Murray praised Gallagher and said: "We have brought him down from the Academy and he has done himself credit," said Murray.

"The lad has also trained with the first team and impressed the manager."