BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was today sweating on the fitness of flying winger Keith Gillespie ahead of tomorrow's big Premiership showdown with Arsenal at Ewood.

The Northern Ireland international has missed Rovers' last three games through a combination of illness and injury.

However, Souness hopes to call on the 26-year-old tomorrow as he attempts to shoot down the Gunners in a game which is vital to both clubs.

"I won't know for definite whether Keith is okay until after training today," said Souness.

"But the early indications are he could be back in contention and that would be a major boost because we've got some big games coming up over the next couple of weeks and we need everybody fit."

Gillespie was last seen in first team action during Rovers' third round FA Cup replay triumph over Barnsley a fortnight ago.

But he limped out of that game after picking up a knee injury during the first half.

And he has since been hit by a bout of 'flu as well which has seen him confined to his bed.

"The knee injury seems to have cleared up now so it's just a case of whether or not he's got over the 'flu," said Souness.

One man who will definitely not feature, however, is England Under 21 international David Dunn.

Souness has provisionally pencilled in Rovers' trip to Fulham on Saturday week as the date of his return, which means the 22-year-old is now almost certain to miss England's friendly with Holland on February 13.