BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes today explained his reasons for dropping Robbie Savage and insisted the Welsh midfielder still remains a big part of his plans.

Hughes sprang a surprise when he axed the 31-year-old from his starting line-up for last week's game against Everton, preferring instead to pair Steven Reid with Tugay in the centre of midfield.

It was a bold move from the Rovers chief, who had never previously dropped the former Birmingham star, but it sent out a powerful message to the rest of the squad that no-one is guaranteed a starting place, regardless of their reputation and how much it cost to bring them to the club.

"I've got a number of players available and it's all about getting the right balance," said Hughes.

"At the weekend, I thought it was an opportunity to see Steven Reid and Tugay together and they had done well together in other games.

"Sav has done fine, though, and he has got a big part to play.

"But there will be occasions when he doesn't play, just the same as others."

Hughes revealed that Savage - due to be recelled for today's game against West Ham - was disappointed at being dropped, but he paid the ultimate price for a disappointing display at Charlton,

where Rovers were trailing 2-0 in the Carling Cup until David Thompson replaced the Welshman and turned the tie completely on its head.

However, rather than sulk about his subsequent omission against Everton, Savage has since knuckled down in training and Hughes has been heartened by the way his £3 million signing has responded.

"I don't expect anybody to be happy when they get taken out of the first team," said Hughes.

"What I expect is a good response in training, which is what I got.

"Sav has had games (this season) where he has shown what he is all about, but I think he would probably agree himself he has not done it on a consistent enough basis over a period of time.

"He has had injury problems, though, and he is still coming back from an operation so it is early days for him."

Meanwhile Hughes is facing up to the prospect of being without Craig Bellamy for at least a couple of weeks after the striker damaged his hamstring in training earlier this week.

"We need everybody fit and well and available for selection, so to lose Craig is a blow," added the Rovers boss.

"He will have intensive treatment and we will try to get him back as soon as possible.

"With a hamstring, you would hope he is back within a couple of weeks, as long as it's not too severe."