MIDFIELD dynamo Alan Mahon today vowed to be fit for the big kick-off in three weeks time despite seeing his pre-season preparations hit by a double injury blow.

The former Tranmere ace was forced to sit out Rovers' pre-season tour last week after suffering from knee and Achilles problems.

But, though he also looks likely to miss tonight's friendly with Port Vale as well, the sparky 23-year-old is adamant he will be to face Derby on August 18 -- provided he's selected.

"Basically, what happened was I picked up a bit of a problem with my Achilles and then I also picked up a bit of something with my knee so I was told I had to rest last week but, thankfully, it's nothing major," said Mahon.

"It's just frustrating because I'd worked really hard in the first week back of pre-season so to not train for the last week or so and miss the games as well means I'm a bit behind everyone now.

"But the quicker I get back, the quicker I can start playing games and I don't think I'll have any problems being fit for our first league game."

Mahon is chomping at the bit to get his first taste of Premiership action after recently completing his £1.5 million move from Sporting Lisbon, following a successful spell on loan at Ewood last season.

And he is in no doubt that Rovers will more than hold their own in their first season back in the big time.

"I don't see why we can't do okay next season," said Mahon.

"The manager's brought in two very good players in Cicco Grabbi and Tugay.

"Both are very experienced, especially Tugay, and I'm sure they'll prove great additions over the course of next season."

Meanwhile, Ewood chief Graeme Souness today said 'it's down to the serious stuff' as Rovers prepare for their trip to Vale Park. After playing three friendlies in Austria and Germany last week, Souness expects his side will have to move up another gear again tonight against Brian Horton's Second Division outfit.

"Our games on tour were useful from a fitness point of view but this is where it really starts," said Souness.

Souness was hoping striker Corrado Grabbi would be back from Italy in time to take part in the game after his wife gave birth to a baby son at the weekend.

Otherwise, Souness was likely to stick with a similar squad to the one which drew 0-0 with VFC Plauen on Friday night.

Elsewhere, Rovers reserves lost to Morecambe in a pre-season friendly at Christie Park on Saturday.

With most of the senior squad away in Germany, new boss Alan Murray was forced to field a mainly youthful line-up, plus the likes of Alan Kelly, Marlon Broomes, Darren Dunning, Simon Grayson and Ben Burgess.

And the Shrimps took full advantage, taking the lead with a real thunderbolt just before half-time.

The Conference club then doubled their advantage after the break when Fred Murray was penalised for a foul in the area.

Marc Richards did manage to pull one back for the visitors in the closing stages to set up a grandstand finish.

But, despite some intense late pressure, Rovers couldn't fashion an equaliser.

Rovers lined up: Kelly, Hockenhull, Broomes, Howson, Murray, McNamee, Grayson, Dunning, Morgan, Richards, Burgess. Subs: Taylor (for Howson), Danns (for McNamee), Blakeman (for Morgan), Walters (for Burgess) Not used: Robinson.