Source: Team_Talk
Big Sam still absent, Rovers confirm
Allardyce, who has been absent for the team's last three games, underwent heart surgery last week and is recovering at home.[LNB]It was initially hoped he would return to the dugout for the cup tie at Ewood Park, but Allardyce is now not expected back at work until Friday, a day before Rovers host Liverpool in the Premier League.[LNB]"He is at home, he's convalescing and hopefully he will be back in work on Friday," said McDonald, who will continue to stand in for the former Bolton and Newcastle boss.[LNB]Asked whether it had been optimistic to expect Allardyce back early this week, McDonald said: "It probably was, yes, but all you can do is take the medical advice.[LNB]"He has got through the procedure which is really good and he sounds in fantastic spirits. He can't wait to get back and hopefully Friday will be his first day back."[LNB]So far McDonald has overseen a 2-0 win at Bolton - Blackburn's first away victory of the season - followed by a 3-0 defeat at Fulham and a goalless draw with Stoke at Ewood Park on Saturday.[LNB]Allardyce has maintained a heavy influence over team selection and decision-making during that time and McDonald said both he and the manager were feeling positive about how things were progressing in his absence.[LNB]"My phone bill is probably sky-high at the moment but that is the way it has to be," McDonald said.[LNB]"He is the manager of the football club and we all have to keep in touch with him to see what his views are.[LNB]"He has watched the games afterwards and it has given him time to analyse everything.[LNB]"He gives us a little bit of feedback and then we have to implement whatever he wants on the training ground.[LNB]"We have done that and got a few decent results, despite not picking anything up at Fulham.[LNB]"It could have gone either way against Stoke - we could have pinched it at the end and got three points. But we have also got our first away victory since he has been away so I think it's all positive."[LNB][LNB]
