ROY Hodgson expects Sebastien Perez to be ready to make his Blackburn Rovers debut next week.

Perez should figure in one of next week's two pre-season games, at Wolves and Ipswich - with the trip to Portman Road on Friday looking the best bet at the moment.

Perez suffered an ankle injury during Rovers' trip to Sweden and was forced to return home - with Tore Pedersen and James Thomas - before having the chance to play.

But physio Mark Taylor's original estimate that the problem was not serious and there was a chance of recovery inside 10-14 days looks to have been spot on.

Perez, a £3 million signing from Bastia during the summer, has spent the past week working under Alan Smith's direction at Brockhall while the rest of the squad were in Sweden.

And Hodgson hopes he will be able to call on the Frenchman soon.

"He has been making good progress and should be able to play next week," said the manager.

"The Wolves game might be a little early for him but I would expect him to be ready for Ipswich."

Rovers have also now received international clearance for the Frenchman, so everything is in order. He was prevented from making his first appearance against Malmo in the opening tour game because clearance had not been sorted out between the English Football Association and the French Federation.

The good news about Perez was the sort of welcome back Hodgson wanted as the squad resumed training at Brockhall today.

He was delighted with the way things went in Sweden, despite the injury problems and especially with the manner in which some of the younger players took their opportunity.

There was also heartening news about Tore Pedersen's knee problem, following an exploratory operation.

"He has torn a lateral ligament but the results of the exploratory operation were very positive," said Hodgson. "No further surgery will be necessary and he should only be out for a couple of weeks."

The other playing casualty from the tour, James Thomas, has had to undergo a cartilage operation, so the young striker will be out of action for a few weeks. Colin Hendry and Tim Flowers were able to link up with their team-mates for training today.

The World Cup duo, given extra leave, have been working at Brockhall while the squad were on tour.

Providing there are no more major mishaps, the manager's hand is already looking stronger for next week's twin tests against First Division opposition.

Coach tickets for Rovers' pre-season away friendlies against Wolves (Monday, July 27) and Ipswich (Friday, July 31) are available now from the Away Travel Office at Ewood Park.

Corporate hospitality is available at Molineux on Monday, when Rovers face Wolves in the Robbie Dennison testimonial game. Further information can be obtained from Julie Broadhurst (tel: 01530-565900).

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