Sam Allardyce is keeping his fingers crossed that the virus that saw two influential players absent from the defeat to Chelsea on Saturday doesn't rule out more players.

Rovers were without Chris Samba and David Dunn for the match at Stamford Bridge due to illness, and the manager has revealed that others are showing similar symptoms.

"Dunny and Chris Samba have a virus," revealed Sam. "And a couple of the other lads who were playing against Chelsea have that virus or we think they are coming down with it.

"We will hopefully get them back next week when we have to go to Old Trafford.

"But it is one of those viruses that can see you out for up to six days so we'll have to see."

Midfielder Vince Grella has been missing since picking up a thigh injury away with Australia on international duty, but the manager is hopeful he'll be back.

"We'll take a look at him. If he isn't ready for Tuesday night then hopefully he'll be ready for Saturday."