STEPHANE Henchoz was today given the all-clear to join up with Switzerland.

The classy central defender was substituted at half-time in Rovers' 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday as a precaution.

But that groin strain has not proved serious and Henchoz will link up with the Swiss squad for their World Cup qualifier in Hungary on Wednesday

George Donis, however, is unlikely to be risked for Greece's mid-week friendly.

The winger suffered a knock to the calf during Thursday's reserves game against Tranmere and was replaced by Damien Johnson.

Manager Roy Hodgson said: "We have kept him out of training and there is a suspicion of a muscle pull as well as bruising."

Hodgson has already suffered his fair share of injury woes at such an early stage of the season.

But the effects of the new manager's arduous pre-season are already clear to see on the field.

Stuart Ripley, currently filling the right wing slot ahead of Donis, best summed up the impressions of the squad after adjusting to the new manager's methods.

"A change is as good as a rest sometimes and it has been varied which keeps it interesting," he said.

"I think most of the lads have been impressed."

"It's been a different type of training in some ways, a bit more direction to it, rather than just running around a pitch.

"There's more thinking behind it, that's my impression. You look at specific things for specific people. "If you are a forward, you have to work on your explosive pace. It's just different.

"It's very difficult to get that edge. You can get to a certain level of fitness but nearly all the defenders in the Premier League are quick and if you are going to get past them you have to have that little edge.

"That final two or three per cent of your speed is where it counts."

Another Rovers winger Jason Wilcox admitted that pre-season training, especially the measured runs, had been tough going.

But he said: "I've enjoyed it and I think it's been good for everyone."

Defender Jeff Kenna added: "The break between seasons is so short now that you are already pretty fit when you come back but this pre-season has had its differences.

"I think it's been more professional for want of a better word."

One of the differences has been made by fitness trainer Arnaldo Longaretti, brought in from Italy by Hodgson to do a specific job.

"He's really been excellent," said Ripley. "A warm-up doesn't sound much but, in football, it's a big thing.

"It can get monotonous doing the same thing day-in, day-out but it's been really good and I think he has helped us all, not just me."

There have been other significant changes too.

Rovers' squad reported much earlier than usual before the opening match against Derby and had their pre-match meal together in one of Ewood's luxurious suites.

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