JASON McAteer is a doubt for Blackburn Rovers' return to league action on Boxing Day after being stretchered off in last night's FA Cup replay victory over West Brom.

The midfielder had seven stitches in a gash on the inside of his thigh and was stretchered off in extra time.

Rovers boss Tony Parkes feared that McAteer had broken his leg when the paramedics strapped the player's legs together.

But the extra precautions were taken because McAteer had fainted on the pitch after seeing the blood.

Parkes said: "It's a laceration of the muscle on the inside of his leg.

"It sounds bad when you use that word but the physio reckons that there is every chance he could be fit for Sunday.

"It must have been studs in the tackle.

"You fear the worst when the stretcher goes on and they are tying his legs together.

"I think Jason must have seen the sight and fainted."

Parkes was happy with the overall display.

He added: "We played well and dominated the second half for long periods."

The injury completed a miserable few days for McAteer, who was sent off in last Sunday's defeat at Sheffield United.

He is likely to receive a two-match ban for foul and abusive language and, even if fit, would be suspended for the game at home against Wolves and the fourth round trip to his old club Liverpool on Monday, January 10. The game will be televised live on Sky Sports and tickets went on sale for Rovers fans today.

That mouth-watering trip to Anfield was set-up by an occasionally frustrating 2-0 win, courtesy of a Damien Duff goal and a Lee Carsley penalty after West Brom forced Rovers into extra time.

And Parkes is hoping that his team can go on and prove their Premiership credentials on the big stage.

"A lot of lads here have played in the Premier League and they will be looking forward to it.

"Anfield is a hard place to get a result but we are optimistic.

"It's a good money spinner for the club as you have never got enough money.

"We keep asking the owner for money and we shouldn't have to do that, we should be self-sufficient," he said.

The Rovers boss has a number of worries before Nottingham Forest provide the next opposition at Ewood on Sunday.

Darren Peacock, Simon Grayson, David Dunn and Matt Jansen all missed last night's game with the flu bug that has hit the camp.

Of those, Peacock is almost certain to miss out again on Sunday.

And with McAteer again likely to be absent, and Dunn also struggling, Damien Johnson could enjoy a rare start on the right side of midfield.

Alan Fettis replaced John Filan, who has a shoulder injury, on the bench but the return of Callum Davidson to left back, in place of Steve Harkness, was a tactical selection.

Portsmouth supporters are to make a special presentation to Nathan Blake before Tuesday's game, which kicks-off at 3pm. It follows Blake's sporting behaviour when their keeper Aaron Flahavan fainted during the Worthington Cup game at Fratton Park earlier in the season.

Flahavan dropped the ball at Blake's feet but, with the goal at his mercy, Blake alerted officials rather than take advantage of the situation.

Rovers will play their fourth round FA Youth Cup tie at West Ham's Boleyn Ground on Wednesday, January 19 (Kick-off 7.00).

Any replay would be at Ewood Park on Wednesday, January 26. And if Rovers beat the Hammers they will be at home to either Middlesbrough or Crystal Palace in the last 16.

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