RAY Harford is forced to unleash a new strike partnership as Rovers bid for a coveted place in European competition.

Kevin Gallacher, pictured right, is expected to join man-of-the-moment Graham Fenton as fellow Euro-contenders Arsenal visit Ewood for the final home game of the season tomorrow.

The Blackburn boss' hand has been forced by a succession of injuries to key forward personnel.

But he was pleased to welcome Rovers' international stars back from midweek duty with a clean bill of health, major worry Colin Hendry shaking off a knock.

That leaves Gallacher, in the starting line-up for Scotland's 2-0 defeat in Denmark, and Fenton as the only senior striking personnel available.

Both men are battling to secure a regular slot in Harford's plans.

And the fact that the manager can still call on players with Gallacher's experience and Fenton's potential illustrates the growing squad strength at Ewood.

Alan Shearer returns to Brockhall tomorrow to continue his detailed rehabilitation programme, having reported no problems under the watchful gaze of England physio Alan Smith at Bisham Abbey this week following his groin operation.

Mike Newell is out with a hamstring injury and Swedish international Niklas Gudmundsson needs a little more time to recover from his thigh strain. Paul Warhurst is out of contention with a foot injury and long-term casualty Chris Sutton's ankle needs another two to three weeks rest before he can resume light training.

However, there was more welcome news for Harford today.

Lars Bohinen, who has been out of Premiership action since the beginning of February, is back in full training.

But the Norwegian international is likely to need reserve outings before a return to the first team can be considered.

Harford could even bolster his forward options with the likes of teenagers James Beattie, who has enjoyed a prolific scoring streak in the reserves, or possibly James Thomas.

The midfield and back four are unlikely to be different from the team that faced Wimbledon last week.

A win over Bruce Rioch's men would leave Rovers in fifth place, two points ahead but having played one game more than the Gunners.

The fifth-placed Premiership side is guaranteed a UEFA Cup slot.

Tonight's final Rovers quiz night at the Intack pub has been cancelled.

Rovers Youth team will be presented their Lancashire League Division Two Under 18s championship trophy at half-time in tomorrow's clash with Arsenal at Ewood Park.

Rovers Veterans play Welsh side Porth Tywym at the Anchor Ground, Darwen, on Sunday (kick-off 11am). Admission is £2 and ex-stars such as Derek Fazackerley and Norman Bell will be turning out.

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