COLIN Hendry looks set to sit out tomorrow night's Coca-Cola Cup tie against neighbours Preston North End after picking up a 'dead leg' in Sunday's defeat by Leeds United.

Blackburn Rovers boss Roy Hodgson is resigned to being without iron-man Hendry and he could also make a couple more changes to his team for the second round, first leg, derby clash.

Recent signing Tore Pedersen, transfer-listed Ian Pearce and young Marlon Broomes will all figure in the manager's thoughts.

And teenage winger Damien Duff is also pressing for a chance as Hodgson will consider using the depth of his squad with longer-term concerns in mind.

Rovers, initially, want to win tomorrow, the manager is very mindful of that.

But, at the same time, the Coca-Cola Cup, which no longer carries a UEFA Cup place as reward for the winners, comes third on the list of his priorities.

Hodgson, who has spent virtually all of his career abroad, where other countries have only one major cup competition, is a firm believer that UEFA Cup places should go on merit for League positions. Yet he is also aware of the importance of doing well in every game, not least a local derby.

The manager checked Hendry yesterday and said: "It's quite a serious one and I don't think we would be taking any chances unless there's a remarkable recovery. We have to think about Saturday and I would hope that if he misses tomorrow he would have a good chance for Tottenham."

Hodgson admitted that there was a temptation to ring the changes and rest certain players, especially those who have featured in most games and have also been on international duty.

The tie also offers a chance to give players like Pedersen his debut and a first start of the season for Tim Sherwood.

He added: "We still need to win the game and it becomes a bit more important because it's a local derby.

"I could be entitled to rest a few players. We have a strong squad at the moment but even if we did make changes the bulk of the side would still be the same as that which played on Sunday against Leeds."

The special promotion offering a free child ticket to Rovers fans buying an adult seat in the Walkersteel Stand for tomorrow's tie ends at 7pm tonight. Otherwise tickets will be on sale until kick-off time for home fans.

Rovers have sold out their allocation of seats for Saturday's Premiership game at Tottenham. But the Away Travel Club still have a few coach/match tickets remaining.

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