KEVIN Gallacher is going through the most frustrating injury spell of his career - worse even than when he broke his leg prior to Blackburn Rovers' title season.

And the Scottish international still has no real idea of when he will be able to rejoin Brian Kidd's relegation-fighting squad.

Gallacher has started only eight League games - scored four goals - so far this season and the depression caused by being unable to help the team stay up is hitting hard.

Out since January 2 with a calf injury, he explained: "I just don't know when (I can come back). I am trying as fast as I can to get back, I don't want to be on the sidelines.

"This time is even more frustrating than when I broke my leg, because we need help in all departments through the injuries.

"But it's going very slowly. I am climbing up the hill but I don't seem to be able to get over the top.

"Everything I am doing is on a daily basis and I have to check the reaction the next day.

"I am battling away but it's going slowly. I am optimistic I will be back and playing this season but it's a matter of getting it right.

"I don't want to break down again."

Gallacher insists spirits remain high and positive: "We have to think we can get out of it and the camp is very happy.

"The manager has given everybody belief and we will be pushing it all the way to the end of the season."

Ironically, the other man who made up last season's top strike partnership, Chris Sutton, was set to return at Coventry this afternoon.

The striker was also prepared to play centre half if asked to by the manager. But that seemed unlikely. He did actually play there against Coventry in December 1995 when Rovers lost 5-0 but he struggled through that game with an injury which was to keep him out for virtually the rest of the season.

Sutton has sympathy for Kidd, and belief in him.

"I think it's a terrible situation for the manager, Brian McClair and Tony Parkes to be in," he said.

"It's very difficult with so many players out injured and a manager looks as though he is just making excuses. "But they have been horrific and it's not just the amount of injuries. What has hit us so hard is that it is the experienced players who are injured.

"It's been a case of just picking 11 fit players in recent weeks and there hasn't been any continuity.

"All the players were lifted by Brian Kidd, we enjoy the training and since he has come in we have turned it around.

"But other than before Christmas, we have been depleted. I believe he, Brian McClair and Tony Parkes will get it right. I have just never known a situation like it with injuries."

ROVERS were in the dark today about speculation that Sheffield Wednesday are about to launch a £4-million bid for Kevin Davies.

"We have certainly not had any contact at all from Sheffield Wednesday," said Ewood chief executive John Williams.

Wednesday are looking for a striker and if they were to make a serious bid Rovers would have to give it a lot of thought.

But, in view of their continuing injury crisis, they might well be more prepared to do such business at the end of the season - unless the offer was too tempting. Wednesday also dismissed the speculation today.

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