Striker crisis for Hughes

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes faces a striker injury crisis ahead of his side’s FA Cup third round clash with Coventry on Saturday.

Roque Santa Cruz limped out of last night’s 1-0 Barclays Premier League win over Sunderland with a groin injury, although was due to be rested for the game with the Sky Blues.

Replacement Matt Derbyshire lasted just 24 minutes after picking up a hip injury in a challenge from Dwight Yorke that led to the Sunderland midfielder picking up the first of two bookings that led to his dismissal.

Jason Roberts, meanwhile, might be available for £4m in the current transfer window but he is also struggling with a foot injury sustained in training on Tuesday.

“We lost Roque at half-time with a groin injury and he will not be available for the weekend,” confirmed Hughes.

“In fairness it was in my plans to rest him at the weekend anyway because he’s had a hell of a first season and he needs a break.

“Obviously, we are hoping the injury won’t stop him from playing next weekend (at Bolton) but we will have to wait and see.

“As for Matty, he took a real bang on the hip, and he’s going to get a lot of blood in that area in the next couple of days. It’s going to be really sore, so he’s a doubt as well.

“It means we are struggling for strikers at the moment because Jason Roberts was injured in training, but we will let things settle before making any decisions.”

If Derbyshire and Roberts are both absent, it will leave Hughes with only Benni McCarthy and Dutch youngster Maceo Rigters available to face Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Coventry.

At least McCarthy ended a 10-match goal drought against the Black Cats, even if his winner was from the penalty spot.

Hughes is now hoping McCarthy will regain his form after a lean spell of late, adding: “That was a really important goal for him.

“The last time he had a penalty he missed it so I thought he showed good character to grab the ball on this occasion and knock it in.

“I’m delighted for him, and hopefully that will now kick him on with a run of games.”