MARK Hughes is banking on Craig Bellamy staying injury free until the end of the season.

Bellamy looks set to face Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow after another frustrating spell on the sidelines because of a hamstring problem.

And Hughes reckons the Wales striker can play a vital role in the coming months in the club's bid for a European place.

"Craig has been hampered by these niggles and maybe come back too early," said the Blackburn boss.

"We have gone with a different approach this time and expect him to play in the vast majority of our remaining games.

"We are going into a crucial period and we need the likes of Craig, fit, well and available for selection.

"I could possibly have used him last weekend but I felt he needed a solid week of work with the team.

"Hopefully, if he comes through it, he will be very much in the shake up for selection, not only for the weekend but for the rest of the season."

Hughes is toying with the idea of pairing Bellamy and Florent Sinama-Pongolle together in a potentially explosive strike partnership.

Their blistering pace could cause Premiership defences all sorts of problems over the next few months and Hughes certainly reckons the pair could spark off each other, even though neither player offers much in terms of physical presence.

"We've had a look at various different combinations in training this week but they could certainly play together and their pace would cause teams problems," said the Rovers boss.

Meanwhile, Hughes is not reading too much into Everton's defeat by Chelsea in an FA Cup replay at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

"Chelsea are an exceptional side and sometimes you have to take your medicine, " he added.

"I am sure that is how Everton will view it, although it is always disappointing to lose. But they will re-group and it will be a test for us."

Midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen is facing a late fitness test after suffering a knee problem in training.