Allardyce, 55, underwent an angioplasty, a procedure to correct narrowing to one branch of his coronary arteries yesterday.

He was recovering at home today while his side drew 0-0 against Stoke at Ewood Park.

It was the third match he has missed but he could be back in charge on Wednesday when Blackburn are at home to Chelsea in a Carling Cup quarter-final tie.

McDonald said: "I believe Sam was discharged this afternoon and I imagine he is resting at home.

"I am told he is on schedule for next week as expected and hopefully we will see him then."

Even though Steven Nzonzi hit the post with a shot, Blackburn looked jaded after the defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage in midweek.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson showed England form by first denying Dean Whitehead and then making a superb block from Liam Lawrence.

McDonald said: "Paul worked hard in the summer and since Sam came here. He deserves every credit and made a couple a great saves.

"Mind you I cannot remember him making one in the second half as we worked their goalkeeper a lot more. Paul is doing everything we have asked him to do. He is happy with his form but knows he can do better on certain things.

"If he gets called up (for England) then so be it. But at least he is in good form for us."

The result ended a run of four successive home wins in the league and McDonald added: "It was a hard fought game and a draw was a fair result.

"We almost pinched it in the end but Stoke play to their strengths and are good defensively among other things."

Midfielder David Dunn could be struggling to face Chelsea as the the club's six-goal top scorer limped off with a tight calf.

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Stoke manager Tony Pulis intend to take James Beattie out of the firing line for a spell so he can get him back to full fitness.

The striker came off the bench for Mamady Sidibe in the second half only to fluff his lines in front of goal, as did Whitehead.

Pulis said: "We have kept it quiet but Beattie has been playing with injuries to his ankle and his knee.

"Now we have Mamady back we can give Beattie a bit of a break and get him fit. He has been playing because we have been a little bit short.

"As for Dean , he has probably had his best game for us and missed two glorious chances."

Centre-back Ryan Shawcross suffered a groin strain in the game.

Overall Pulis was delighted at their progress.

He said: "We are better this year than last. To have 20 points from 14 games is first class for us.

"We've had only 18 months in the Premier League and you get built up. People get carried away with things but we need three years in the Premier League for a proper foundation to push the club forward.

"It has got to be step by step. We will keep our feet on the ground. The good thing at the moment is the amount of points we are gathering away from home."