CHRIS Sutton today received a shock call-up to Blackburn Rovers' squad for tomorrow's Premiership game against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

But Rovers boss Ray Harford, hampered by an injury list of "frightening" proportions, revealed that the striker - out of action for more than three months - would not be in the starting line-up.

A place on the substitutes' bench, however, is a possibility following the latest major blow to hit the Rovers camp - the loss of utility man Paul Warhurst.

Further X-rays have revealed that Warhurst did crack a rib in Wednesday night's collision with Leeds keeper John Lukic.

And that latest break for the unluckiest of players could keep him out for some time.

On the brighter side, Mike Newell's back is still a little sore but he should be in the squad.

Of the others on the lengthy injury list, only Lars Bohinen has a "50-50" chance of returning.

"The injuries have been unbelievable this season, it's frightening," admitted the manager, who is also without the suspended Tim Sherwood.

Rovers' situation, however, has brought rewards to unexpected quarters, with youth team wingers Damien Johnson and Damien Duff added to the squad for the first time.

"They have done really well and deserve to be there," added Harford.

Johnson made his reserve team debut only last week.

Just to underline the problems the manager has faced, the two younger professionals who have been involved with the squad in the past, Wayne Gill and Tony Whealing, have also joined the injury list!

Sutton hasn't had any kind of a match action since suffering ankle damage in early December.

He has trained well since rejoining the rest of the squad but would have been in stronger contention if he had been able to have a reserve run-out. Nevertheless, it's good to see him start challenging again and Harford said: "Chris has had a very difficult time and being out for such a long spell has been hard for him to take."

With options very limited, it looks as though the only change from the team which started against Leeds will concern Warhurst's replacement to partner Alan Shearer.

Rovers are set to choose from: Flowers, Berg, Hendry, Coleman, Kenna, Gallacher, Marker, McKinlay, Holmes, Shearer, Fenton, Gudmundsson, Newell, Sutton, Johnson, Duff, Bohinen, Mimms.

Spurs, beaten on penalties by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup last weekend, are still in with a very good chance of claiming a UEFA Cup spot.

They don't give much away at White Hart Lane, where the state of the pitch has been causing some concern and goals have been scarce.

Their squad is expected to be: Walker, Edinburgh, Howells, Calderwood, Mabbutt, Wilson, Campbell, Fox, Rosenthal, Sheringham, Armstrong, Nethercott, Slade, Thorstvedt.

There will not be any tickets available at White Hart Lane.

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