GARRY Flitcroft has handed Blackburn a massive boost by revealing he could be fit for the big Premiership kick-off in a fortnight.

The Rovers skipper had looked doubtful to face Wolves at Ewood on August 16 following a summer operation to cure a long-standing Achilles problem.

But the influential midfielder has made good progress in pre-season and refuses to be ruled out of manager Graeme Souness's immediate plans.

Rovers chief executive, John Williams, said: "Garry had a procedure in the summer and it's been touch and go for a while.

"But things are looking good and there is now every chance he will be ready for the start of the season."

The situation regarding veteran defender Craig Short should also be clearer later today. Short, who suffered an injury ravaged campaign last term, is scheduled to undergo a scan on the knee injury sustained in the recent game against DC United in Washington.

Meanwhile, new boy Steven Reid has revealed he consulted fellow Republic of Ireland international and former Blackburn winger Damien Duff before making his final decision to join Rovers.

The two are close friends from the international scene and Reid was keen to find out all Duff knew about life at Ewood before committing to a £1.8m move.

He said: "I know Damien very well from Ireland, and spoke to him regularly. Moving to a Premiership club can only help my international prospects, and hopefully there will be a few more starts in the first eleven.

"But that was not the main factor I was thinking of."

Reid also played played down suggestions he could step into Duff's shoes and become the new darling of Ewood Park.

The former Millwall ace made an impressive debut at Blackpool on Wednesday night as Rovers eased past the Seasiders 2-1.

But Reid said: "It would be impossible to replace someone as good as Damien and I'm not going to be able to do that.

"He was phenomenal and is one of the best left-sided players in Europe, so it would be hard for me to match him.

"I just want to get my head down and get on with helping Rovers to do well."