NATHAN Blake could be in line for a return to Rovers' first team squad this weekend -- despite seeing his comeback plans hit by the weather last night.

The Welsh international striker had been pencilled in for a run-out in a reserve team clash with Everton at the Autoquest Stadium but the match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

However, Blake today revealed he is ready to answer Graeme Souness's call if the Rovers boss wants him in his plans for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Derby.

And a permanent return may be just around the corner, three months after the six-goal frontman made his last appearance in the 2-1 defeat at Fulham before undergoing an operation on his Achilles.

"Match fitness plays a big part when you've been out for a long time," said Blake.

"But, if the manager wanted to call upon me at the weekend, then I'd be prepared to give it a go.

"I've not set myself any targets but I'm just looking forward to getting back playing again.

"It's been very disappointing to miss such a crucial period in the season.

"When I got injured I was on a real roll and playing well.

"And strikers really love that."

Souness could use Blake in a substitute's role with Mark Hughes set to miss the game through suspension and Egil Ostenstad seemingly out of favour.

However, the recent lack of reserve team action is a cause for concern for the manager with both Blake and Craig Short denied the chance to get some much-needed match action under their belts.

Souness may now have to consider organising a behind-closed-doors friendly in order to give the pair an extended run-out with the reserves not scheduled to play again for another fortnight.

Elsewhere, Tottenham director of football David Pleat has labelled reports linking Tim Sherwood with a return to Blackburn Rovers as 'mischievous.'

A report in Monday's Evening Standard claimed the Spurs midfielder had been offered a £1 million promotion bonus to return to Ewood Park -- a story subsequently denied by Rovers chief executive John Williams.

Now Pleat also insists Sherwood will remain at Spurs, although no discussions have yet taken place about extending his current contract which still has two years to run.

"They have just made it up, they must have done. We have not spoken to Blackburn," said Pleat.

"It sounds mischievous to me. There has been no contact at all.

"This sort of thing is not untypical of what is going on within the game.

"I think it's a bit of mischief-making."