ROVERS striker Hakan Sukur hopes to step up his comeback plans in tonight's reserve game at Aston Villa.

Sukur has been pencilled in to play a part against Villa by reserve boss Alan Murray.

But Damien Duff will not be risked in the Midlands after Rovers decided against thrusting the Republic of Ireland international straight back into the fray after a six-week lay-off.

"We were thinking about playing Damien but we've decided to give him the maximum amount of time possible to get right without giving him the stress of a match situation," said Murray.

"As far as the injury is concerned he's fine now and there's no problem at all.

"He trained with me yesterday and he will train again with me today then he will join up with the rest of the first team squad when they resume training tomorrow, with a view to getting ready for Arsenal.

"But we are just being very cautious with him which is understandable."

Sukur should be cleared to play, however, despite suffering a slight back injury in the charity game for the Kanu Heart Foundation on Tuesday night.

"All being well, Hakan should play a part," said Murray.

"He jarred his back when he slid under the keeper so he felt a little bit stiff yesterday.

"But we'll see how he is today and providing there's no reaction then he should be involved because he needs matches."

Meanwhile, Academy starlet Paul Gallagher looks set to continue up front and Murray believes the 18-year-old could have a chance of forcing his way into the first team squad before the end of the season.

"We are pleased with the way Paul Gallagher is coming on," said Murray.

"He's caught my eye with some of his performances recently and I've obviously passed that information on to the manager.

"The ideal situation would be to get him into the first team squad if the situation allows before the end of the season it but there's a lot of money at stake for every place in the Premiership.

"The manager has never been afraid of giving youth a chance, though.

"He gave Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman their debuts at Liverpool at the age of 17 and he did the same with Jay McEveley here.

"So I could see a situation where Paul might get his chance from the bench but he's got to maintain what he's been doing recently."

Murray is set to name a similar squad to the one which was on duty against Everton on Tuesday night.