Rovers pair face fitness tests

Boss Paul Ince is sweating on the fitness of Roque Santa Cruz and Christopher Samba for the clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Leading striker Cruz has been struggling with a hamstring injury picked up in the game with Manchester United while defender Samba picked up his injury when he collided with the post in the game against Bolton.

Neither player has been able to train since and Ince is set to leave a decision on the duo's fitness until as late as possible.

He told the club's official website: "Roque has not trained and Chris Samba has been out as he collided with the post.

"Chris has not trained all week and we will leave it until tomorrow to make a decision. It is still touch and go whether Roque will be ready for Saturday."

Ince could give Benni McCarthy a recall in attack after he looked sharp and came close to scoring after coming on as a substitute in the goalless draw against Bolton.

The Rovers manager added: "Benni came back to pre-season not quite right. He's had to work really hard to get himself to the weight he needs to be at. He has had a couple of games for South Africa and that has helped him. He seems to have that hunger back.

"Benni has been razor-sharp in training and he did well when he came on in the last 15 minutes against Bolton. He gives me another selection problem but that is what I get paid for.

"It is nice because Benni is a quality player and when he is right he is one of the best in the Premier League."