EX-TOWN star Jon Stead seems certain to be on the bench for Blackburn as he looks for a Premier League debut up at Middlesbrough tomorrow.
It had been suggested earlier in the week the 20-year-old would start alongside either Dwight Yorke or Andy Cole at the Riverside.
Rovers manager Graeme Souness, however, is more likely to have Stead and fellow new arrivals - Norwegian midfielder Martin Andresen and goalkeeper Peter Enckelman - on the bench.
The only one of Souness's transfer- window arrivals to get a start is Michael Gray.
Carling Cup finalists Boro are looking for three points to strengthen their position in the top half of the table.
George Boateng is suspended while Ugo Ehiogu continues to battle a groin injury.
