CHARLIE Mulgrew will undergo a scan on his ankle this afternoon, but boss Tony Mowbray has shed some positive light on the skipper's injury.

Mulgrew was forced off just 15 minutes in to Rovers' 1-1 draw with Northampton Town on Saturday after landing awkwardly on his ankle.

He was replaced by Amari'i Bell as Rovers reshuffled their defence, with Mulgrew leaving Ewood Park that night in a protective boot.

While Rovers won't know the full extent of the injury until after this afternoon's scan, Mowbray is hopeful the injury isn't as bad as first feared.

Speaking this afternoon, Mowbray said: “The initial thought is the swelling the day after was not as bad as anticipated by the medical department.

“That's a good sign. He'll have a scan this afternoon and we await the results. Let's hope it's a week or two and not a month or two.”

Mulgrew's place in the squad against Walsall could be taken by Elliott Ward who missed out against Northampton Town.

Midfielder Corry Evans has missed the last three games with a thigh injury after picking up the problem in the FA Cup defeat to Hull City on January 6.

But Mowbray expects the Northern Ireland international to make the matchday squad against the Saddlers where he could replace Lewis Travis.