GIANT Swede Pascal Simpson is jetting to England on Saturday for talks with Blackburn Rovers.

Ewood boss Roy Hodgson is looking at the 26-year-old AIK Stockholm target man as a possible addition to his striking resources.

Simpson, however, is currently out of action until the end of January.

And Hodgson faces a more immediate problem with Kevin Gallacher already an injury worry for Sunday's showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Simpson, with two caps for Sweden and valued at around £1.5 million, had an operation on an ankle injury four weeks ago.

But sources in Sweden believe Hodgson is prepared to wait to seal the deal.

Simpson confirmed today: "I have got an invitation to go to Blackburn.

"It will be interesting to go to a top club in the Premier League and see how it works.

"But I cannot train or play because it is just four weeks since I was operated on.

"Of course I am interested in Blackburn but I know the competition is very strong among the forwards.

"But I will see what this leads to, although I do not think there will be any deal done this weekend."

Simpson's agent Klaes Elefalk has already had preliminary talks with Rovers.

And the player has also held talks with top Norwegian side Valengeren in Oslo. But Simpson, who had scored 42 goals in 137 games for Stockholm prior to last season, added: "I will not decide anything before I have been in Blackburn."

Gallacher, along with central defender Tore Pederson, was unable to train either Monday or yesterday with the rest of the squad.

The Scottish striker has Achilles tendon problems - a legacy of Saturday's win.

And with Martin Dahlin a long-term victim, Hodgson needs to strengthen that particular department.

Rovers were today staying typically tight-lipped about the situation

Chief executive John Williams said: "There's nothing to elaborate on at the moment."

Hodgson will be hoping that both Gallacher and Pederson can make significant progress before weekend.

Pedersen, who came into the side when Colin Hendry damaged knee ligaments at Barnsley, also picked up a knee problem in Saturday's win over Chelsea. The Norwegian, who was able to finish the game, has linked up impressively with Stephane Henchoz in a new pairing at the centre of defence and they took a lot of credit for helping Rovers to another clean sheet against a Chelsea side who have been prolific scorers away from home this season.

Pedersen had played in the Premiership some years ago, for Oldham, and in the Colca-Cola Cup this season for Rovers. But the last two games against Everton and Chelsea have been his first Ewood starts in the top flight.

With no apparent change in the condition of longer-term injury victims Colin Hendry and Martin Dahlin at the moment, it is important that both Pedersen and Gallacher are fit for Sunday's trial of strength against the reigning champions.

Gallacher, who has signed an extension to his present contract, will make his 100th full League appearance for the club if he plays at Old Trafford. And he has done well there in the past, scoring for Rovers in their away games against United in the first two seasons of the Premiership.

Gallacher's partnership with Chris Sutton has been worth 17 goals in League games alone so far this season and Rovers lean heavily on the duo who have missed only one League match between them until now.

Hodgson believes his players have the genuine hunger to continue to do well this season but he is also aware of United's achievement in winning four out of five Premiership titles.

"They have changed players a lot," he said. "If you look at the first one (title) and look at it today, you will not find too many of the same players."

There's another top-of-the-table battle at Ewood tonight when Rovers Reserves take on Leeds United (kick-off 7pm).

Leeds are top of the Pontin's League Premier Division at the moment, with Rovers in second place.

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