ROY Hodgson leads Blackburn Rovers into the second half of the Premiership season at Hillsborough on Boxing Day with one thought in his mind - so far so good.

The Rovers boss will recall top scorer Chris Sutton to the starting line-up after suspension and also expects to have Colin Hendry in his side following a pre-season 'bug' scare.

Hodgson is more than happy with the way things have gone during his first six months in charge and still refuses to indulge in any title talk.

"We're more than satisfied, we're highly delighted with our performance so far and our position in the league," he said. "It would be foolish not to be.

"I don't think a provincial club like Blackburn can hope for so much more.

"We're in with a chance of finishing in the top two. We're certainly in with a chance of finishing in Europe if our form continues anything like what it has been and I think you have to be very satisfied with that.

"This year, so far, we haven't splashed out and made the major investments that many of our rivals have done.

"We are working with a very similar if not a somewhat depleted squad of players from last year where the team struggled to avoid relegation.

"So, basically speaking, if we can't be satisfied with that and our progress so far then we are never going to be satisfied. Neither are the people of Blackburn, because the task we would give ourselves would be so onerous that we would never be able to achieve it." Rovers fans could never have envisaged their side going into the Boxing Day game against Sheffield Wednesday as Manchester United's closest challengers.

But Hodgson is staying away from the title speculation.

"We don't talk about it," he said. "We just try to win the next game and then we'll see two or three games from the end how close we are to the leading teams, be it Manchester United or somebody else.

"And that will then give us some idea of whether we are in with a chance of pipping them for the title or not.

"With 19 games to go and 57 points to get, I think that all talk of championships is far too premature."

Sutton's return will be a boost but someone is going to have to make way for the striker.

Hendry, meanwhile, was able to train yesterday after reporting sick on Monday. He wasn't 100 per cent but should be by Friday to continue his outstanding partnership with Stephane Henchoz.

Rovers' starting line-up is expected to come from: Flowers, Kenna, Hendry, Henchoz, Croft, Ripley, Sherwood, McKinlay, Wilcox, Duff, Gallacher, Sutton, Bohinen, Flitcroft, Beattie, T Pedersen, Fettis.

Wednesday are set to choose from: Pressman, Nolan, Pembridge, Newsome, Walker, Stefanovic, Whittingham, Booth, Atherton, Collins, Hyde, Rudi, Carbone, Alexandersson, Humphreys, Clarke.

The Rovers boss is not anticipating a sudden spending spree in the New Year sales, unless his squad is severely depleted.

Hodgson stressed once again that he would not panic buy.

Tickets will be available at Hillsborough for Rovers fans up to kick-off at 3pm.

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