Dann blow for under-fire Kean

Blackburn defender Scott Dann has been ruled out for six weeks with a groin injury, the club have confirmed.

The former Birmingham centre-half scored Rovers’ goal in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to West Brom and completed the full 90 minutes but Steve Kean confirmed today he is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The news comes as a further blow to Kean, who is under mounting pressure with his side second-bottom of the league and facing a clash with local rivals Bolton, the only side below them, tomorrow night.

Kean was the subject of abuse from a large section of the Blackburn support on Saturday, who abandoned their non-demonstration pact following Peter Odemwingie's last-minute winner.

That has been followed up by a front-page editorial in the local newspaper this morning calling for Kean’s immediate dismissal.

Yet the Rovers boss claimed he spoke to the owners over the telephone yesterday and there had been no mention of an ultimatum.

Rather, the discussion revolved around future plans.

“I have spoken with the owners for 45 minutes yesterday. There was no suggestion of an ultimatum,” he said.

“We had a real good conversation yesterday.

“We are looking forward to the transfer window opening so we can try and get a couple in who can hit the ground running and make an impact.

“There is pressure tomorrow but we have to enjoy it. From the first minute there will be pressure.

“You have to show courage to accept it.”

The one piece of good news for Kean is the return of Junior Hoilett after a hamstring injury.

And Kean confirmed Gael Givet might be back in a fortnight after it has been decided he would have a procedure to rectify his irregular heartbeat.

“Gael is going to have a procedure,” said Kean.

“He was in training yesterday and seemed quite well in himself.

“But it is something you have to take very seriously when his heartbeat goes up to 300 beats a minute.

“He had it once before in France. He also had it 18 months ago in training.

“But it has moved to a different chamber in the heart.

“It is a small procedure. He should be back within two or three weeks.”