BLACKBURN Rovers widemen Jason Wilcox and Damien Duff look set to be ruled out of Sunday's televised clash with Sheffield United after being sent home ill from training.

Duff and Wilcox have both complained of feeling under the weather in the last 24 hours, leaving manager Tony Parkes with a major selection headache.

But one crumb of comfort for the Ewood chief is the news that skipper Lee Carsley should be back to lead from the front as Rovers look to stretch their unbeaten run to nine games.

The Republic of Ireland international was stretchered off in the FA Cup clash at West Brom last Saturday after getting an accidental blow in the face from team-mate Alan Kelly.

But while the goalkeeper's knee laid Carsley out, X-rays revealed no concussion and Parkes is optimistic that his midfield lynch-pin will be fit to play at Bramall Lane. He has not trained since but that's been a precaution as much as anything.

"He should be training as normal in the next day or two so I'm optimistic that he'll be okay," Parkes confirmed.

Carsley has been a pivotal figure for Rovers this season and his seven goals so far make him the club's top scorer.

But the likely loss of Wilcox and Duff is a huge blow, especially after Wilcox had returned to training yesterday following a groin strain which ruled him out of third-round tie at the Hawthorns.

"There seems to be a bit of something going around the club so both of them are going to be struggling for Sunday now," said Parkes.

"But we'll just have to check on them in the next few days." Should either fail to make it then Callum Davidson is likely to continue in an unfamiliar midfield role for a game which is sure to test Rovers' mettle.

The Blades are struggling in the bottom three and were held at home by non-League minnows Rushden and Diamonds in the Cup last Sunday.

But new boss Neil Warnock is sure to have them fired up and Parkes knows from first-hand experience what effect a new manager can have.

"It's never the best time to go to a football club after a change of manager, as people know from coming here," said Parkes.

"But we are in a league where any team can beat any other on the day so we have got to make sure we are right and we play to our maximum."

Parkes has already suggested that with a squad of Rovers' size it will be difficult to keep everyone happy and there are likely to be departures.

However, no-one has yet knocked on his door and asked for a move.

"They've been very good. They have accepted what's happening and they realise I can only pick 11 players," said Parkes.

"It's not a problem for me, I like the choice of picking from a lot of players. But players don't like it."

Meanwhile, Colin Hendry's departure from Rangers could be imminent after Ibrox chairman David Murray launched a stinging attack on the player. But the former Rovers man is not a transfer target for Tony Parkes, despite speculation to the contrary in the national press.

Murray has cast doubts over Hendry's level of commitment to the Ibrox cause and claims the Scottish international is making no effort to force his way back into the Rangers first team.

Hendry went on record last week as saying he will quit the club as soon as he can, and those comments have clearly angered Murray who vented his frustration at the player in yesterday's 'Rangers News'.

He said: "I read Colin's comments saying he doesn't know whether he will ever turn out for Rangers again.

"I certainly wish he was in a position to play for Rangers. I mean he's not even been putting himself forward for a first-team place.

"Colin seems fit enough to play for Scotland against England but then he comes back to Ibrox and he's needing an operation."

Murray's criticism is likely to rile Hendry, who would have moved to Derby last month but for a clause in his proposed contract which demanded he take a pay-cut in the event of the club being relegated.

Tickets for Sunday's game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane WILL be available on the matchday. This is contrary to previous information releases. Ticket prices are: £14 adults and £8 concessions.

Season ticket holders are also reminded ahead of next Wednesday's FA Cup replay against West Brom that they can benefit from a discount ticket, provided this is purchased prior to the day of the game. Prices range from £12 to £17 for adults, £7 for senior citizens and £5 for juniors (under 8's go free). In addition, season ticket holders will not be charged any booking fees.

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