BLACKBURN Rovers' World Cup warriors could be set to miss the club's opening shots of their pre-season tour of Sweden, writes PETE OLIVER.

Scottish trio Colin Hendry, Kevin Gallacher and Billy McKinlay and England goalkeeper Tim Flowers are likely absentees as they are given a well earned breather after their exertions at France 98.

The quartet, who have played virtually non-stop since last July, will be given a three-week break following their exit from the competition to recharge their batteries.

And if both Scotland and England reach the second phase then they are likely to miss at least the start of the three-match tour of Sweden which kicks-off with the first game in Malmo on Monday July 13 - the day after the World Cup final in Paris.

Even if Scotland bow out next Tuesday by failing to beat Morocco then Hendry, Gallacher and McKinlay would be cutting it fine to make the opening game of the trip against Roy Hodgson's former club.

"It's been decided that when they go out of the competition they will have about a three-week break to rest," confirmed Rovers assistant manager Tony Parkes.

"Even though Tim Flowers hasn't played he has been training every day and still needs a break." If the international contingent miss the trip to Sweden, which continues with games against Jonkopping on July 18 and Kristianstads two days later, Rovers have three further games lined up in this country for them to get back into the swing of things.

Rovers play at Wolves on July 27 in a testimonial for Robbie Dennison, at Ipswich on July 31 and at home to PSV Eindhoven on August 7.

If England progress to the latter stages in France then Flowers' availability could still be in doubt but as he is suspended for the start of the domestic campaign following his dismissal at Coventry last season that may not be viewed as crucial.

For Rovers and the other top Premiership clubs the World Cup is a double-edged sword as they balance players' personal ambitions with their own interests.

Parkes added: "From a selfish point of view they wouldn't get too far but from a football sense you want them to get to the final. It's a catch 22."

But the latter sentiment seems to win the day with Parkes supporting the Scots along with England.

"We want the Scots to do well basically because of the three lads. A lot of their players play in English teams which makes it good for the English game if Scotland go well," he added.

And Parkes has been delighted with the way Hendry and Gallacher have measured up on the world stage.

He said: "It's more difficult for a striker to shine in every game because he only shines for a second when he scores or creates a goal whereas Colin is in the game a lot more.

"Like all strikers Kevin has to score to hit the headlines but he has done well and when I hear people talk about him they are praising him."

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