Santa Cruz needs matches - Steve Kean

by Adam D Tue 15 Feb 2011, 8:05 am

Blackburn manager Steve Kean has played down fears that striker Roque Santa Cruz faces a spell on the sidelines.

The on-loan Manchester City striker lasted only 45 minutes of Saturday's goalless draw with Newcastle before a recurrence of a groin problem.

Kean told BBC Radio Lancashire: "His concerns in the past have been other injuries.

"Because he hasn't played as many minutes at City, he might pick up another little niggle here and there."

Kean continued: "It's only a small injury and we've got a break now until our next game at Villa to get some extensive treatment on it and do some tough work with him in the gym and on the training ground - and hopefully he'll be 100% fit."

Santa Cruz has completed 90 minutes just once in four games since he returned to Ewood Park in January for the remainder of the season.

Kean added: "The doctor said that Roque could only sprint at 75-80%."

"The last thing you want is him missing three or four games, so he was brought off as a precaution.

Rovers also expect winger Junior Hoilett to be fit to face Villa on 26 February.

source - bbc website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/9397294.stm