BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was today left reeling by the news that Nathan Blake has suffered a fresh injury blow on the eve of Rovers' FA Cup clash with Derby.

The Welsh international striker has damaged some fibres in his thigh just 10 days after making a comeback following a three-month absence with an Achilles injury.

And the six-goal frontman will now miss tomorrow's clash at Pride Park as well as Saturday's trip to Nottingham Forest as Rovers prepare for a make or break period in their season.

"Nathan won't be in the squad for tomorrow or at the weekend," said Souness.

"It's disappointing because he's worked so hard to get back into contention after his other problems.

"But that's football and it's something we've got to cope with."

Ironically, Souness allowed Egil Ostenstad to join Manchester City on a two-month loan yesterday after Blake's return to fitness had seen the Norwegian international slip further down the pecking order.

But the former Southampton player will not be recalled from Maine Road as Souness believes he has ample cover up front, with Mark Hughes, Matt Jansen and Marcus Bent currently fighting for two places.

Meanwhile, Ostenstad today admitted he is relishing the prospect of swapping Rovers' promotion battle for a relegation dog-fight with City.

And the 29-year-old striker believes he has what it takes to fire the goals to keep Joe Rotle's men in the top-flight.

"This is a great opportunity for me to get some games under my belt," said Ostenstad.

"I found out on Friday that City were interested in me and it didn't take me long to think about it.

"I was out of the picture at Ewood so this is a great opportunity for me to get back playing again.

"I know I can score goals in the Premier League and, even though things haven't worked out at Blackburn, I've still scored 12 goals in about 25 starts which isn't that bad.

"Confidence is a big thing in football and the way things have been over the last couple of months has meant my confidence has been low.

"But the only way to get that back is by playing."

Ostenstad trained with his new team-mates yesterday and he is convinced City have what it takes to escape from trouble.

"Of the teams in the bottom three, City are the ones who look capable of getting out of it," said Ostenstad.

"They've definitely been improving over the last couple of weeks.

"They were unlucky not to win on Saturday and they also played well against Liverpool. So, hopefully, I'll get the chance to play."

"I'm a bit short of match fitness but this is a new club and a fresh start and I'm just looking forward to getting back playing again."