BLACKBURN Rovers' Norwegian full back Stig Inge Bjornebye faces a further spell on the sidelines after undergoing an operation on his foot.

The 33 year-old defender picked up the foot injury in training and has had surgery to rectify the problem.

It's another major setback for the experienced defender who only recently battled his way back to full fitness after seven months on the sidelines with an eye injury.

The former Liverpool player is currently recovering in hospital and he's likely to be out of action for some time.

Rovers have been linked with several left-sided defenders during the last couple of months and Bjornebye's bad luck will only serve to reinforce the club's quest to bring in further cover in that area.