INFLUENTIAL Rovers defender Stig Inge Bjornebye could be ruled out until after Christmas.

The Norwegian international has torn a hamstring and is set to miss the next stage of Blackburn's promotion push, including the derby clash at Burnley on December 17 and possibly the festive holiday programme as well.

Bjornebye came off early on in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Gillingham.

Rovers initially hoped the problem wouldn't be too serious but further checks yesterday revealed the full extent of the damage.

"It looks like he's going to be out for several weeks," confirmed manager Graeme Souness.

"He's got a tear in it and so it could be anything for four or six weeks.

"We've been very happy with him and it's a real blow for us."

The former Liverpool defender has made the left-back spot at Ewood Park his own since his summer signing.

But his absence will give Jeff Kenna the chance to re-establish himself as Rovers look to get their top-six challenge back on course after Saturday's disappointment.

"Jeff's an obvious replacement, he's an international player," Souness added.