EWOOD'S tartan trio, Kevin Gallacher, Colin Hendry and Billy McKinlay, are battling against an injury-dogged build-up to Euro 96.

And, although Kevin Gallacher made a welcome comeback as a second-half substitute in Miami last night, Colin Hendry had to go off as Scotland lost their third successive game, 1-0 to Colombia in the Orange Bowl.

Billy McKinlay, whose preparations have been hindered by a calf muscle strain, didn't figure in a game which the Scots were unlucky to lose after creating several chances.

None of the three Blackburn Rovers players have had serious problems but the niggling injuries have interrupted their build-up to next month's championships, with Scotland's campaign due to kick off against Holland in 12 days time.

The first threat to Gallacher came on the final day of the Premiership season, when he picked up a hamstring strain against Chelsea.

Intensive treatment helped him to shrug it off but he then collected a foot injury.

Happily, there was no break, just bad bruising, and the striker, whose pace could be an influential factor in coach Craig Brown's plans, was able to get in almost half an hour against Colombia last night - as a substitute for Ally McCoist.

By then, Hendry had already departed.

The central defender - a certain Scottish starter providing he is fit - was replaced by Craig Burley because of a heel injury.

But Brown was quick to allay fears that it was anything serious.

"If it had been a championship match, I'd have kept him on," said the Scotland boss, wary of taking undue risks with Euro 96 so close.

"And I'm sure we wouldn't have lost the goal if he had still been playing."

The only goal of the game came from Colombian substitute Faustino Asprilla after 82 minutes, a fine solo effort to beat the outstanding Andy Goram.

But the Scottish squad, who are spending a couple more days training in Florida, are not dis-spirited despite a hat-trick of friendly defeats.

Jeff Kenna and Shay Given did well as the Republic of Ireland unluckily lost 1-0 against Portugal in Dublin last night.

Another Ewood youngster is set to make his mark at international level. Defender David Worrell is one of several 18-year-olds called up by the Republic of Ireland under-21 side for their game against Norway at Drogheda.

A Rovers youth squad left today for their exhibition game against Ajax to mark the opening of the Dutch national youth tournament in Holland.

Rovers shone against Ajax in a recent tournament but several players are unavailable for this trip.

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