BLACKBURN Rovers skipper Grant Hanley has declared he should be fit for the showdown with Roses rivals Leeds United.

Hanley has been sidelined for the last seven matches with a calf injury he sustained in training on the eve of the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth on February 28.

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But after stepping up his rehabilitation at Brockhall the Scotland international expects to be available for selection for the trip to Elland Road on Saturday week.

Hanley said: “It’s niggled on and niggled on but I think I’m through the worst of it now and I’ve been back running for the past two or three days.

“I’m targeting getting back into full training soon and looking forward to the Leeds game after the international break.

“I did it in training the Friday before the Bournemouth game. I pulled my calf and felt it go. I didn’t think it was too bad to start with but it’s ended up being a bit worse than what I thought.

“I’m not the best person when I’m injured and not playing. I imagine I annoy a few people in the physio room, getting bored.

“But we’ve taken our time because I had a similar injury last season, but in my other leg. I came back too quickly and did it again.

“So this time we’ve done it by the book and given it time to recover.

“Hopefully it’s behind me now and there’d be no better game than Leeds to come back for.

“Going to Elland Road is always a massive game and the atmosphere there is always brilliant.

“So hopefully I can get myself right for that.”

Hanley, however, will play no part in Scotland’s Hampden Park double header against Northern Ireland in a friendly tonight and against Gibraltar in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, who has won 17 caps for his country, said: “It’s gutting because I see it as a chance of another two caps that I won’t get back.

“And I’m especially gutted to miss the Northern Ireland game because that will be a great atmosphere.”

But Hanley’s Rovers team-mate Jordan Rhodes is in the Scotland squad for the clashes with Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

And his club captain is backing the striker, who has not played for the Tartan Army since September 2013, to mark his return to the international fold with a goal.

Hanley said: “Jordan is a good lad who works hard and who is proud to go away with Scotland so I’m over the moon he’s been called up again.

“Whenever Jordan plays he’s got a good chance of getting on the scoresheet, so if he’s playing I’d back him to score.”

Rovers were yesterday continuing their attempts to bolster their squad before the emergency loan window closes at 5pm tomorrow.

And, with Hanley closing in on full fitness, it should allow boss Gary Bowyer to concentrate his efforts on adding to his midfield or forward options.