STEPHANE Henchoz has given Brian Kidd and Blackburn Rovers a major boost in the build-up to Saturday's relegation showdown with Nottingham Forest at Ewood.

The Swiss defender's troublesome groin injury is at last showing signs of improvement and Henchoz is ready to take on three of the biggest games Rovers have played since they won the title.

He has hardly been able to train in recent weeks, bravely playing through the pain barrier for the sake of the team.

And, in the last home game against Liverpool, the strain of carrying the injury seemed to be telling.

But he said today: "It will be okay, it is a little better.

"It felt better after the game last Saturday and I have been able to do some training this week. There is no need to say anything about the games coming up. Everybody knows how big they are."

Henchoz will undoubtedly be a contender for Rovers' player of the season as he has been one of their most consistent performers.

And he has also won the admiration of the fans for the way in which he has played on at times when the injury could have seen him demand a rest. All the defender's experience and composure will be needed against Forest, who are already relegated, on Saturday.

The Ewood visitors may be relaxed because of their position but Rovers - clearly feeling the tension at Charlton last Saturday - must overcome their nerves to turn in a matchwinning performance.

Rovers under-17s visit Manchester United on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Academy play-offs, with the game being staged at Ayrshire Road (Littleton Road), kick-off 11am. The two sides were well matched in their particular group, finishing first and second. United were top by a couple of points, having won their home game against Rovers and drawn at Brockhall.

There are just a few tickets remaining for next Wednesday's Ewood clash with Manchester United, which could well be decisive at both top and bottom of the Premiership.

Seats are now on sale to holders of any home League match ticket stub from this season - one stub per one United ticket.

Schools' promotion tickets will not be accepted. Category A prices apply, £22-28 adults, £10 concessions where available.

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