BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes is planning to run the rule over United States international Brian Carroll later this week.

The DC United midfielder, who played for the USA in their 1-1 friendly draw with Scotland at Hampden on Saturday, has been invited to spend a few days training with the club.

And although his spell at Brockhall is not being seen as a trial as such, Carroll knows that if he makes a suitable impression then it could lead to something more concrete further down the line.

Hughes, of course, signed Ryan Nelsen from DC United when the Kiwi impressed during a similar 'trial' spell last season.

Now Carroll will be hoping to make the same kind of impact as his former team-mate when he hooks up with the Rovers squad tomorrow, although he will have to produce something special to force his way into Hughes' thinking, given the depth of midfield resources currently at the Welshman's disposal.

"We've invited Brian to train with us. He's in this country with the US squad at the moment so it's a good opportunity to have a look at him," said Rovers' chairman John Williams.

Carroll has become one of the leading lights at DC United and his form recently earned him a call-up to the full national squad for their final World Cup qualifier against Panama.

Described as a defensive midfielder, the 24-year-old was the only DC player to feature in every one of the club's MLS (Major League Soccer) fixtures last season, scoring once in 32 appearances.