COLIN Hendry will see a specialist tomorrow for a thorough examination of his injured knee, but the early signs seem to be encouraging.

The Blackburn Rovers and Scotland star twisted his knee in the first half of Saturday's game against Barnsley at Oakwell and, after a touchline check, was quickly substituted.

Rovers fans were understandably concerned about the extent of the damage, so too was manager Roy Hodgson.

But an appointment with the specialist had to be put on hold until the injury had settled down.

At this stage, it looks hopeful that the problem is not too serious or long term. But Rovers won't know anything for sure until they receive the diagnosis from the specialist.

The timing of the injury to Hendry is particularly unfortunate if it keeps him out of Rovers' next game.

An ever-present in the Premiership so far this season, he was due to face Everton's giant striker Duncan Ferguson at Ewood on Saturday.

Hendry's strength and power in the air is a vital part of Rovers' defending.

And, while Ferguson has struggled for goals with the Goodison side this season, he remains a constant aerial menace to any defence. Scotland boss Craig Brown has also named Hendry, along with Kevin Gallacher and Billy McKinlay, in his squad for next week's friendly with World Cup hosts France in St Etienne.

If Hendry has to miss the international, it will give Scotland the chance to experiment which is in Brown's thinking anyway.

Hendry and Gallacher have been regulars in the side which clinched Scotland's place in the finals but McKinlay has mainly been on the fringes.

The midfielder, however, seems certain to get his chance between now and next summer and the coach said as much when naming his squad for the prestigious game.

"There is another seven months before the World Cup finals and players can lose form or get injured," said Brown.

"Colin Cameron, for instance, is playing well at Hearts but in midfield guys like David Hopkin and Billy McKinlay have been with us a long while and deserve their chance first."

Rovers' allocation of 3,000 tickets for the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, November 30, have all gone. They were put on sale to season-ticket holders on Sunday.

Tickets are still available for Saturday's home game against Everton which is a category A fixture, with prices from £19-23, concessions £10.

The Ewood ticket office and telesales ticket hotline are now open from 9am-5-30pm every weekday.

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