BLACKBURN striker Matt Jansen has targeted end of October for a first team return.

The 24-year-old hit-man , who is currently recovering from the head injury he sustained in a motorbike accident over the summer, has been given permission to step up his training programme after a series of tests over the weekend.

And, providing he continues to progress at his current rate, then he could be back in first team contention in two months time.

Rovers medical staff have described his progress so far as 'miraculous' but heading a ball is still 'out of bounds' for last season's leading scorer as the club ease him slowly back to full fitness.

Meanwhile, a host of Jansen's team-mates are currently away on international duty this week.

Nissa Johansson is in the Sweden squad for their friendly with Russia in Moscow tonight while Tugay and Hakan Unsal are hoping to feature in Turkey's game with Georgia.

Keith Gillespie is also away with Northern Ireland who take on Cyprus in Belfast while Henning Berg has linked up with the Norway squad for their game against the Netherlands in Oslo.

However, all eyes will be on Damien Duff and the Republic of Ireland as they prepare to take on Finland in Helsinki.

As we exclusively revealed earlier in the week, Duff intends to sign a new contract with Rovers when he returns from the trip.

And Republic boss Mick McCarthy has expressed his delight at the fact his star player is now on the brink of resolving his future.

"Damien is a special young player and his performances at the World Cup were excellent," said McCarthy.

"But it must be good for him now to have all the speculation put behind him."