Football: FERGIE IS SPARED SOME LEGWORK

BARRY Ferguson had his feet up in midweek - and that's the way they're going to stay this season.

The Scotland skipper watched Blackburn superkids Paul Gallagher, 19, and Jonathan Stead, 20, taking their next steps up the international ladder last week.

Stead was an instant hit for the England Under-21 side while Gallagher made his Scotland debut against Wales.

And their emergence means Ferguson won't have to risk his broken knee before the end of the current campaign.

That's a welcome glimmer of good news for Vogts who will be desperate to see a fit, fresh Ferguson firing on all cylinders when Scotland kick-off their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign against Slovenia at Hampden in September.

Just a few weeks ago Blackburn boss Graeme Souness warned the pounds 7.5million playmaker to steel himself for action in the final month of the season if Rovers were facing a relegation battle.

But the goal-grabbing impact of Gallagher and Stead has been such that Souey has told the former Rangers captain to concentrate on his rehabilitation.

Ferguson, who admits homesickness was a problem during his first few months at Rover said: "You can't fail to be impressed by the way Paul and Jonathan have taken their opportunities.

"The injury was a huge shock to start with because I've never done any serious damage before.

"But I think everyone who knows me, knows I'm a strong enough character to come through the other side of all this."

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