MARK Hughes today admitted he still has a few selection dilemmas to resolve with the new season barely a week away.
The Blackburn Rovers boss has already decided on most of his team to face West Ham in next week's Premiership curtain raiser at Upton Park.
But, with just eight days to go, one or two places are still up for grabs and the players will get one final chance to impress the manager when Rovers take on Espanyol in tomorrow's friendly at Ewood Park (kick off 3pm).
Hughes is pleased with the way things have gone in pre-season and Rovers remain unbeaten in five friendly outings so far, the latest being at Grimsby on Tuesday night.
Now those preparations are set to move up another gear again this weekend, and Hughes is looking for one last push before the serious stuff gets underway in the capital.
Referring to the battle for places, the Rovers chief said: "I think you saw on Tuesday night that we've got a lot of players who want to be part of the first team here.
"That's what I want to see from the lads and I was delighted with everyone who played at Grimsby.
"We'll now continue to try and push the players' physical and match fitness forward.
"I'm pleased with how our pre-season campaign has gone. We are unbeaten up to this point, so that helps as well.
"Results aren't the be all and end all, but I think it's important you get a progression of results and performances and we've shown that.
"We've got better every time we've played, so I'm pleased with that."
Espanyol should prove excellent opposition tomorrow, having finished in a respectable fifth place in La Liga last season, qualifying for the UEFA Cup in the process.
Hughes is hoping Craig Bellamy should be fit to play some part against the Spaniards after missing the last three friendlies with an ankle injury.
But Ryan Nelsen remains doubtful as a result of the knee injury he picked up on the club's pre-season tour to Germany.
"Ryan tweaked his knee and he's still got a little bit of discomfort," said Hughes.
"He might be available tomorrow but failing that, he will certainly start training again next week."
Meanwhile, tickets for the game are priced at just £15 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and young adult season ticket holders, whilst juniors who are 15 years and under can get in for just £1.
Fans can pay on the door or reserve a seat by calling the ticket office on 08701 123456.
Rovers have already beaten Spanish opposition this pre-season, of course, having recorded a 2-0 victory over Real Mallorca in Austria.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article