STEVE Kean has revealed that Chris Samba’s return to action has been delayed and he will not now feature in tonight’s reserve match at home to Wigan.

Samba has not played for Rovers since the Premier League defeat at home to Stoke on January 2 after declaring his intention to leave the club.

QPR had two bids rejected for the defender but the January transfer window passed with Samba still at Ewood.

Kean said late last week that he hoped Samba could take part in tonight’s second string game at Leigh Sports Village, kick-off 7pm, to build up match fitness ahead of a potential first-team return.

The 27-year-old had been due to feature in a behind closed doors game against Carlisle last Tuesday but Kean revealed he withdrew with a hamstring injury, which will now further delay his comeback.

“I don’t think he’ll play in the reserve game,” the Rovers boss said.

“But he’s got the all clear on an MRI scan, which is the more detailed one that tells us there’s no tear in his hamstring, so he’ll be back in full training and will crack on from there.”

With Rovers out of the FA Cup, their next first-team game is not until the trip to Manchester City on February 25.

Club officials have been in talks with Samba since the closure of the transfer window in a bid to get him refocused on helping Rovers stay in the Premier League.

Reports have suggested that Samba may be eager to renegotiate his contract to insert a release clause, allowing him to leave Ewood in the summer.

Kean, however, denied that the club were holding discussions over a new deal.

“No, he’s got a four-year contract still in place,” said the Rovers boss.

In Samba’s continued absence Scott Dann and Grant Hanley paired up at centre back in Saturday’s 3-2 home win over QPR, as Rovers bounced back from their 7-1 thrashing at Arsrnal a week earlier.

Hanley impressed in front of Scotland manager Craig Levein, having been restored to the line-up following Gael Givet’s suspension.

“I thought Scott Dann and Grant Hanley were exceptional,” Kean said.

“For Grant it was probably a bigger game because he was unfortunate to find himself out of the side when Scott Dann came back a few weeks ago.

“But he’s come back in again and has made massive progress. Craig Levein was here watching him and I’m sure he’ll play for the national team and kick on.”