John Eustace hopes Ryan Hedges will be available for Blackburn Rovers against Norwich City after resting the winger at Cardiff City.

The Welshman travelled with the Rovers squad but wasn't named in the starting line-up or on the bench. Having just recovered from a four-month hamstring injury, some supporters were fearing the worst.

However, after starting the last three matches, Eustace revealed that Hedges was rested rather than injured. 

Similarly, taking Sam Gallagher off after an hour was with one eye on keeping him fresh in the midst of a very busy schedule.

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"Gally played his first 95 minutes on Saturday for a hell of a long time," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"We managed to get an hour out of him and he did a great job. We had to leave Hedgey (Ryan Hedges) out.

"We rested him, his work rate and effort he put in during the three games last week was immense. On the back of four months out, we didn't want to risk him.

"It gave someone else an opportunity. I hope he'll be back in the group this weekend, we'll have to assess him and see how he is over the next few days."

Harry Leonard has missed the last two matches through injury which was described as a 'knock' by Eustace at the weekend.

However, the striker took to Instagram to suggest he would be out for an extended period of time.

He wrote: "Gutted to hear I'm going to be out for a while. I'll do everything to come back stronger."

Eustace revealed that the young striker has suffered  back injury but he's hopeful it won't be too serious. Leonard is still set for a number of weeks on the sidelines, though.

"Harry will be out for a number of weeks," he said. "He's had a slight injury in his back area. 

"Hopefully it won't be too serious and we can get him back as quickly as possible."