TOUGH-TACKLING midfielder Lee Carsley could be ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a shock injury during last night's thrilling FA Cup clash with Newcastle.

The Blackburn Rovers skipper damaged his foot following an innocuous-looking challenge during the first half of a pulsating cup tie, which United went on to win 2-1.

The Republic of Ireland international had to be substituted at half time after slitting open his right instep in a tackle.

X-rays later revealed he has broken a bone in his right instep, which is set to keep him out for between four and six weeks.

Carsley has been an influential figure in Rovers' revival under Tony Parkes.

And his enforced absence will come as a major blow to the Ewood outfit's promotion challenge as they look to bounce back from last night's cup exit.

Former Ewood favourite Alan Shearer returned to haunt his old club by notching the 249th and 250th goals of his club career to earn the Magpies a place in the sixth round against Tranmere Rovers.

But United boss Bobby Robson today backed Rovers to win promotion after they pushed his side all the way.

"You gave us a harder game than we've had anywhere away from home all season and on that form I hope you get up," Robson told Parkes during last night's press conference.

"Your club is Premiership." But those words of encouragement were of little comfort to Parkes who was visibly deflated after watching his side bravely crash out.

"It's nice for Bobby to say that and if we get into the Premiership then you'd like to think we might be able to hold our own," said Parkes.

"But we are in the First Division and the games are so different so that's no consolation at all.

"I would rather it had been a scrappy game last night and we had gone through to the next round, to be honest.

"I don't really need anyone to tell us we played well.

"I thought we were tremendous in the second half and they hardly had a chance other than the goal, which is saying a lot considering they are from the Premiership and flying at the moment.

"But we are disappointed we didn't get anything from the game.

"We had the chances and we've only ourselves to blame.

"But that's the difference.

"Being in the Premiership they don't miss too many of their chances whereas it takes us a few to score.

"But I can't really have a go at my players after that because we might have got something from the game.

"And it was nice to see them put a performance in after what happened at Barnsley." Some sections of the Blackburn End booed Shearer on his return to his former club which appeared to spur on the England captain.

But Parkes claimed he was oblivious to the taunts because he had become too wrapped up in a tense contest.

"I honestly can't remember Alan being booed, I must have been concentrating that hard," said Parkes.

"But it's not that important to me, to be honest.

"It's up to the crowd. They must have reasons to do it.

"It does fire players up and it fires Alan up.

"But he's just as likely to score if you are quiet as mice because he's a goalscorer, isn't he?"

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