GARY Croft's big break has given Blackburn Rovers boss Ray Harford plenty of food for thought before Saturday's Premiership clash with Coventry City at Highfield Road.

And the 22-year-old left back is eager to be given a chance to show what he can do at top level after making his Rovers debut in the Coca-Cola Cup win over Brentford.

That first home victory of the season has earned the reward of a home tie against Stockport County in the third round, but breaking their duck in the Premiership is of far more concern to Rovers at the moment.

Harford reshuffled his defence on Tuesday night, handing Croft his first taste of senior action since his move from Grimsby in March.

Now the full back would like to press his claims for a longer run, though he is realistic about it.

"It's nice to get a chance to play with the first team, I haven't been used to it for the past five months and it has been frustrating," he said.

"The thing is that I am a fringe player so I get pulled out of the reserves at times. I haven't played many games at all and it's games that count. "I am not expecting to play at Coventry but it would be nice to get a chance against a Premiership side.

"Maybe I will keep my place, maybe I won't, it's up to the manager now.

"But at least I've got a first team game under my belt and I thought it worked quite well.

"I felt I did okay, though I could have played better."

Although it was only against a Second Division side, Rovers did keep their first clean sheet of the season on Tuesday.

Harford now has to decide whether to retain his new-look defence at Highfield Road.

Meanwhile, Rovers were happy to be drawn at home in the next round of the Coca-Cola Cup with Second Division Stockport providing the opposition on Tuesday October 22 (7.45pm).

Stockport pulled off one of the week's shock results, scoring five goals at Bramall Lane to batter Sheffield United 7-3 on aggregate.

After a terrible start to the season, Stockport have won their last four matches, two in the League and two in the Coca-Cola Cup against the Blades. The clubs have met three times previously in the League Cup.

Last time was 20 years ago, in the 1976-77 season, when Stockport won 3-1 at Ewood.

Before that, Rovers won 2-0 at Stockport in both 1969-70 and 1974-75.

Graeme Le Saux had another strenuous run-out with the reserves at Leeds last night. (Report page 34)

He put a lot into the game and looked very tired when he was substituted with just a few minutes remaining.

But, happily, he seems to have come through nother test with flying colours and will no doubt be hoping to complete a full game soon.

"Graeme spoke to the physio this morning and he's fine, everything seems to have gone very well and we are all delighted with him," said reserve team coach Terry Darracott.

There's still a long way for Le Saux to go before he is back to full fitness but the signs are very encouraging.

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