Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer is optimistic that the injury sustained by striker Jordan Rhodes is not as serious as first feared.

The Scotland international suffered the ankle problem at the start of the second half in Rovers 1-1 draw with Huddersfield on Saturday and although he attempted to continue in the match against his former club he was eventually substituted.

The 25-year-old was forced to leave the John Smith’s Stadium wearing a protective boot and there were concerns about the extent of the problem as it was sustained to the same ankle that was injured during the Blue and Whites pre-season clash with Accrington Stanley.

Rovers boss Bowyer however is optimistic the former Ipswich player can make a swift recovery and he is convinced the rehab he has previously done on the ankle will help aid his return to action.

He said: “He had done ever so well to get back fit from that so hopefully the rehab work that he has done has strengthened that particular area and it won’t be as bad as what it looked like when he limped off.”

Rhodes is unlikely to feature in the Riversiders next match against Cardiff City at Ewood Park on Tuesday night and he will continue to be assessed by the clubs medical staff before a decision is made regarding next weekend’s away clash with Brighton.

Rovers have picked up just one point from their opening two league games of the campaign and they were also knocked out of the Capital One Cup by lower league Shrewsbury last week, but they will be hoping to return to winning ways against the Bluebirds.