STRIKER Matt Derbyshire faces a second scan on his injured thigh today - but Blackburn Rovers are hopeful he will be fit for this weekend's Premiership clash against Fulham.

Derbyshire was pulled out of England Under 21's game against Portugal on Tuesday after straining his thigh muscle in the pre-match warm-up.

Reports yesterday claimed he faces up to six weeks on the sidelines.

But Rovers chairman John Williams allayed those fears, saying the club are hopeful their young striker will be in the reckoning this Sunday for the live TV clash.

Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph: "Matt saw the doctor at lunchtime yesterday, and all the signs were good.

"He has his thigh strapped at the moment, and is very sore.

"There are four muscles in the thigh, and the initial doctor's report revealed that the damage is to the best' muscle as far as we're concerned.

"So it's not as serious as Jason Roberts or Keith Treacy's injuries.

"The doctor will scan the injury again today, because it is a lot clearer 48 hours later, but we are confident it is not a tear.

"We are hopeful he will be fit for Sunday."