JASON McAteer's hopes of making his Blackburn Rovers return in Wednesday's Worthington Cup third round tie against Premiership leaders Leeds United appeared to have been dashed today.

The former Liverpool star, who had two 90-minute workouts last week in a bid to step up his comeback after nearly six-months on the injury list, called in sick this morning and was being seen by the club doctor.

"It's very disappointing because I intended to use Jason on Wednesday. He needs the games after so long out and it would have been an ideal opportunity," said Rovers boss Brian Kidd today.

"But, even if he was to be feeling better tomorrow, he would probably still be a little wishy-washy and unable to make it.

"We'll know more when the doc reports back."

McAteer had to show a great deal of patience while the nerve damage in his leg took several months to heal.

He made a good comeback for the reserves last week and followed that with another 90 minutes in a private practice game against Manchester City.

Kidd could have considered playing him in the reserves again tonight, when they visit Newcastle.

Instead, he had pencilled him in for Wednesday's cup tie and that would have given the player a significant boost to be back in the first team picture at last. Kidd was also anxiously monitoring the return of his various international players today.

The one question mark seemed to be over Nathan Blake, substituted in the 78th minute of Wales's 2-0 defeat by Switzerland.

But the switch seemed to be tactical as the striker did not appear to be injured.

Goalkeeper Alan Kelly, who played in both legs of the second round win over Portsmouth, was a hero again for the Republic of Ireland.

But not even his efforts could deny Macedonia the late, late equaliser which condemned the Irish to the play-offs when they had automatic qualification within their grasp.

Neither Jeff Kenna nor Damien Duff even made the substitutes' bench for the Irish game so, presumably, they will not have any problems when they report back.

As expected, Callum Davidson and Christian Dailly were required by Scotland for their 3-0 canter against Lithuania. Both Ewood defenders played 90 minutes for the second time in four days.

There was some joy for Damien Johnson, despite Northern Ireland's 4-1 hammering in Finland. The young Ewood winger picked up his second full cap when he went on for the last quarter of an hour, replacing Wimbledon's Michael Hughes.

Per Frandsen was involved in Denmark's friendly international against Iran, going on four minutes from time in a 0-0 draw. But the Dane is cup tied for Wednesday anyway.

Barnsley's hopes of signing young Rovers defender Keith Brown have reached stand-off, with the Yorkshire club unable to come up with the £500,000 price put on the Scot's head. Brown, who has now returned to Ewood after completing a month's loan, was a big hit at Barnsley and Tykes boss Dave Bassett wanted to keep him.

Rovers were reluctant to extend the loan and Bassett revealed that, when Barnsley asked about a permanent move, the price was too high for them.

Ewood chief executive John Williams said: "We have had some dialogue with Barnsley and the ball is firmly in their court."

While they were happy for Brown to gain some senior experience, Rovers cannot really be blamed for declining to strengthen one of their First Division rivals.

Rovers players will figure prominently in the Euro 2000 play-offs with Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Denmark involved. The draw will be made on Wednesday in Aachen, Germany, and the two-legged ties will be played on November 13 and 17.

It has yet to be decided whether there will be any seeding of the eight play-off qualifiers who are: Denmark, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, England, Republic of Ireland, Scotland.

Rovers Reserves visit Newcastle at Kingston Park rugby ground tonight (kick-off 7pm) with Billy McKinlay included in the squad. He could get a short run-out after his long absence.

The squad is: Williams, McCann, Richardson, Scates, Michael Taylor, Hawe, McAvoy, D Dunning, Baldacchino, Thomas, Forsyth, O'Brien, Bingham, McKinlay, Foster, Douglas.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.