Jon Dahl Tomasson is hopeful Scott Wharton will be available again 'soon' after coming off during Blackburn Rovers' win over Stoke City.

The defender scored his first goal of the season to put Rovers ahead within five minutes. It was a great run and a superb header to divert Andrew Moran's corner into the near post, brushing the woodwork as it went in.

Unfortunately, the goal-scorer's afternoon would only last 10 minutes as he was forced off following a clash of heads. He collided with Dwight Gayle and had lengthy treatment but managed to get to his feet and walk off the pitch, which is encouraging.

Wharton was bandaged up but didn't need to go to hospital for further treatment whilst the game was ongoing. That is another positive sign with Rovers keen to ensure he's available for their upcoming matches.

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Tomasson was reluctant to say too much without a more detailed medical report but hopes the centre-back will be back soon.

"Let's what and see," Tomasson said. "But when you're coming off that early, it's not great. 

"We will wait and see. He got a big hit and when you come off early then it's not top-class, we know that. Scott is a tough cookie so hopefully he can be ready soon."

Wharton's header was only the second Rovers have scored from this season. The other was a second-phase short routine at Rotherham United, meaning Hayden Carter was the last player to head in from a set-piece back in May.

Carter's return from injury allowed James Hill to start at right-back, giving Rovers more height from set-pieces. That was important in the goal, Tomasson revealed.

"We know Scott has scored before on corners, that's one of his qualities," Tomasson explained. "We also had three taller players, normally we only have two in the side and normally you need four.

"It was a great header, a great delivery. Sammie got his 11th goal too, another great goal and Moran his first goal and Scott's first in the campaign. Very nice."