BRIAN Kidd looks like being forced into handing teenage central defender Martin "Tiny" Taylor a Premiership debut in the relegation scrap with Coventry City at Highfield Road tomorrow.

The Blackburn Rovers boss expects to be able to give a warm welcome back into the fold to Chris Sutton after injury and suspension but, despite that, his selection problems have increased.

In fact, Rovers have probably reached their lowest ebb in terms of players available - especially at the back in view of the latest injury to Gary Croft and Darren Peacock joining Marlon Broomes on the suspended list.

Taylor, who stands well over six-feet tall, was a member of last season's youth team, along with another 19-year-old David Dunn, who could also play at Highfield Road after recovering from flu.

The defender has been on the bench a number of times this season but his only senior experience came when he went on as a late substitute in the UEFA Cup tie at Lyon.

He was used as an emergency attacker in the last few minutes as Rovers tried to snatch a victory.

It will be a massive test for him tomorrow but, while it seems to be a gamble by the manager, he really has no other choice. Tomorrow's side could include those two 19-year-olds, as well as two others who have just turned 20 in Damien Johnson and Damien Duff.

Graham Coughlan, who has never played in the Premiership, is also set to be in the squad again after being on the bench against Everton.

Several players need checks after the midweek match and the likes of Keith Gillespie and Nathan Blake, who have had minor injuries as well as flu, are expected to remain on the sidelines.

Kidd cannot yet put a side together but, in any case, it is sure to be severely depleted and will need another reshuffle.

But the manager remains determined, despite all the handicaps he has had to face.

"Anybody who knows me will be aware that I don't break easily," he said.

"Ever since I came to Blackburn I have enjoyed the job, despite what has happened and I want to do well for Jack Walker.

"We keep having to change the side from game to game but I cannopt ask the players to give any more than they are doing at the moment."

At least Sutton's anticipated return is a glimmer of good news.

"I'm desperate to try and put the injuries behind me," said the striker, who again re-affirmed his commitment to Ewood even if the worst happens.

"No-one wants to go down or play in the First Division and we have to do everything we can to stay up.

"But, whatever happens, I feel I owe the club some loyalty." Rovers might well leave selection decisions as late as possible to give players more time to recover from Wednesday.

They are expected to choose from: Filan, McAteer, Henchoz, Taylor, Davidson, Johnson, Dunn, Marcolin, Wilcox, Duff, Davies, Ward, Jansen, Sutton, Coughlan, Williams.

Coventry will choose from: Hedman, Nilsson, Shaw, Williams, Burrows, Boateng, Telfer, McAllister, Froggatt, Whelan, Huckerby, Aloisi, Soltvedt, Konjic, Gioacchini, Shilton, Ogrizovic.

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