BLACKBURN Rovers new-boy Craig Hignett has been rocked by another injury blow which looks set to keep him out of action for at least another 10 days.

The 30-year-old midfielder today admitted he was feeling 'depressed and low' after he broke down again in training at the weekend.

And the former Barnsley man is now a definite non-starter for tomorrow night's Worthington Cup clash with Rochdale at Ewood and Saturday's First Division match at home to Nottingham Forest.

"I'm feeling pretty low at the minute because I just want to play," said Hignett.

"The whole situation is starting to get on my nerves now.

"Last week I'd thought I'd cracked it and I managed to run for three days without any reaction.

"But then on Saturday I felt a little reaction in training and wasn't right the next day which has set me back again.

"So I've got to take a step back again and I think it's probably put me back another week or so."

Hignett has now been sidelined for seven weeks after aggravating his Achilles during pre-season.

Manager Graeme Souness had hoped he would be fit to play a part against Dale tomorrow.

But, with the injury now diagnosed as tendonitis, fans may have to wait until Rovers' clash with Sheffield United a week on Friday before seeing him make his competitive debut.

"I've never had an injury like this before," said Hignett.

"The longest time I've ever been out of action before this has been three weeks and I'm starting to feel depressed about it all.

"I'm just desperate to get involved with my new club."

Souness also revealed today that Nathan Blake and Craig Short will not feature against Dale tomorrow.

Blake has returned from international duty with a slight Achilles problem while Short has just had a toe nail removed.