ROY Hodgson was today counting the heavy cost of Stuart Ripley's England comeback.

The Blackburn Rovers winger could be out of Premiership action for up to six weeks with a pulled hamstring after lasting just six minutes of last night's emotional World Cup qualifier against Moldova at Wembley.

And today Rovers were left sweating on physio Alan Smith's report as he assessed the damage.

Ripley arrived as a second half substitute for David Beckham with England coasting to a crushing 4-0 victory, which took Glenn Hoddle's men to the top of group two.

And the winger immediately made his mark with a pin-point cross for which Paul Gascoigne hit the post.

But then Ripley pulled his right hamstring stretching for a ball and Rovers fans were treated to the sorry sight of Ripley being wheeled off the Wembley turf - and out of Rovers' plans for at least a month.

Ripley has played a key role under Hodgson in Rovers' rise to the summit of the Premiership so far this season and he will be sorely missed as Rovers approach a hectic schedule of Premiership and Coca-Cola fixtures.

Meanwhile, £300,000 capture Alan Fettis made a fine debut for Rovers' Reserves as the second string clocked up a 4-0 win against Preston North End at Deepdale.

Goalkeeper Fettis said: "It is great to be involved again. "I'm especially pleased to be back in the Premiership with a big club because I was never given the chance at Nottingham Forest.

"While I enjoyed my time at Forest I felt I deserved better once I got in the team.

"I thought I did well at the end of last season and hoped I was in with a shout at the start of this season.

"But that was not to be and this move to Blackburn gives me a fresh start."

Norwegian defender Tore Pedersen was pencilled in for his Rovers bow at Deepdale, but was forced to pull out due to a slight calf injury.

All four goals arrived from the shooting boots of teenage striker James Beattie who stole the show with a brilliant striking show.

Coach Terry Darracott said: "James was on fire in front of goal and took all his chances superbly.

"It was a fine team performance from all the boys."

Tickets are on sale to season ticket holders only for the second round, second leg Coca-Cola Cup tie against Preston North End at Deepdale on Tuesday, September 30 (7.45).

Rovers only have a small allocation of tickets and it will be one season ticket book, one ticket only. Adults £9, Junior/OAP £5.50.

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