GEORGE Donis faces a late fitness test before Blackburn Rovers' Coca-Cola Cup clash with Brentford at Griffin Park tonight.

But, while he waits for the verdict on his Greek star, Rovers boss Ray Harford can celebrate good news over another Ewood international, with Graeme Le Saux making a positive comeback with the reserves last night.

Flying winger Donis was at Brockhall for treatment on Sunday and yesterday, while the rest of the squad trained before leaving for London.

He has some bruising to his ribs, but both manager and player were hopeful he will be fit to face the Second Division table-toppers who are still unbeaten this season.

In stark contrast, Rovers go into the second round first leg clash without a win to their name this season and knowing that Brentford will scent a chance of cup glory.

If Donis gets the all-clear, Rovers are unlikely to make much, if any, change to the side which played at Newcastle on Saturday. Harford will look for a similar approach from them, though he anticipates a totally different type of game.

"The away matches we have had in the Premiership so far have tended to be tactical battles," he said.

"I would expect Brentford to play very fast high-tempo football and it will be a different type of battle.

"But if we can go to places like Manchester United and Newcastle and have the right attitude, there's no reason we can't do it again tonight.

"The players remain positive and want so badly to do well and they might look forward to a break from the League."

Jason Wilcox has also travelled, after making a weekend comeback in the A team, but he is not expected to start.

The squad is: Flowers, Berg, Hendry, Coleman, Kenna, Donis, Sherwood, Bohinen, Flitcroft, Sutton, Gallacher, Ripley, McKinlay, Fenton, Pearce, Croft, Wilcox, Given.

Brentford must make a late decision on whether skipper Jamie Bates plays after being involved in an alleged incident after Saturday's game against Blackpool. He needed hospital treatment.

They will choose from: Dearden, Hurdle, Bates, Ashby, Anderson, Forster, Smith, Canham, Bent, Asaba, Taylor, McGhee, Fernandes, Abrahams, Myall. While Rovers prepare for a real scrap tonight, they are delighted that Le Saux has taken the first major step on the comeback trail.

The England left back played 75 minutes for the reserves - nine months to the day since being injured - and, though he was understandably careful, there were a lot of positive things to see in his performance.

"It was very satisfying, though one of the hardest mental games I have had," he said afterwards. "It was just pleasing to get through 75 minutes.

"I could have gone on a little longer but I was starting to get a bit tired and I had a couple of little knocks on it (his ankle) from the ball and thought it was better to play safe.

"I'm three months ahead of schedule. They told me Christmas when I first got injured. I am hoping to play in the next reserve game and, hopefully, the reaction from tonight will be minimal."

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