Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is optimistic he will soon be back in the dug-out as he prepares to undergo heart surgery. Allardyce has been booked in this week for an angioplasty, which will widen one of his arteries after he recently complained of chest pains.

He watched Blackburn's 2-0 win at former club Bolton at home and will also miss the upcoming Premier League games against Fulham and Stoke.

However, he is expecting to resume control of team affairs in time for Rovers' Carling Cup quarter-final encounter with Chelsea a week on Wednesday.

"I'm optimistic I'll be back to work soon," Allardyce told The Sun.

"I'm delighted we got the three points and a clean sheet. It certainly made me feel better.

"I was pleased with our performance."