GRAEME Souness was today sweating on the fitness of influential skipper Garry Flitcroft ahead of Saturday's high-noon showdown with Liverpool at Ewood.

Flitcroft has undergone intensive treatment on a groin injury over the last 10 days in a desperate attempt to declare himself fit for the clash.

But the tough-tackling 28-year-old only rated his chances as 50/50 this morning before he attempted to train for the first time in 10 days.

"I had a scan the other day and it showed the injury has nearly healed," said Flitcroft.

"So I need to train today and then I'll know if I have a chance of making it or not.

"At this stage I've got to say I'm probably only 50/50.

"But I'll only really know how far I've come once I try it out because it could just go again if I try to kick a ball."

If Flitcroft fails to recover, that will come as a major blow to Souness as he plots the downfall of his former club.

But the boss is hopeful of being able to recall winger Damien Duff after a two month absence with a hamstring injury.

"He's in the squad to play Liverpool and there's a chance Duffer might feature," said Souness.

"He's a top player and we've missed his presence badly although we've done okay so far.

"The injury was a frustrating one for him because we just expected Damien to be ruled out for a couple of weeks, but instead we ended up losing him for two months.

"He has trained okay this week though and providing he doesn't have any problems then he could play a part against Liverpool."