Blackburn vs West Ham preivew - Three out for Rovers

Posted Saturday, December 18, 2010 by PA

Blackburn will begin the post-Sam Allardyce era without three key midfielders.

Vince Grella (Achilles), Steven Nzonzi (hamstring) and Keith Andrews (groin) remain sidelined with long-term injuries as temporary boss Steve Kean prepares to select his first Rovers line-up.

Kean has already stated his interest in replacing Allardyce on a permanent basis and will feel confident of starting win a win in the Ewood Park encounter with relegation-threatened West Ham.

A succession of leading football figures have spoken out against Allardyce's shock dismissal on Monday, with the approach of new owners Venky's being heavily criticised amid rumours of interest in appointing Diego Maradona and confirmation of a fifth place finish as an unlikely target for Rovers this term.

Kean must somehow steady the ship and put a team on the pitch that can secure victory against the Hammers, which would be the perfect way for Kean to launch his own bid for the manager's chair.

"I would be delighted to have the job," said the Scot.

"If I do a good job, perhaps I will come into consideration.

"It is an exciting time for the club. They seem to have very big plans and if I can be part of that, I will be delighted.

"Hopefully it will be in a position that suits the bit I am good at, which is being out on the training ground, developing players and building teams. If that is the manager's job, great.

"If it is in another capacity, then it is something I would enjoy doing for the club."

West Ham will give fitness tests to midfielder Valon Behrami (hip) and former Rovers defender Lars Jacobsen (heel).

Mark Noble (hip), Jack Collison and Anthony Edgar (both knee) hope to return in the New Year.

Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) and Manuel da Costa (foot) remain sidelined.