Grella limped off before half-time with what appeared to be a groin problem in Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Hull City.

The niggling injury was the latest in a long line of problems Grella has had since arriving at Ewood Park from Italian club Torino in August last year.

The Socceroo had finally strung together a decent sequence of appearances, playing in Rovers' last six matches, before the frustrating injury which has re-opened questions about his future at Blackburn.

But Blackburn's New Zealand international backed the Aussie, telling the Lancashire Telegraph: "Of course he can get through this and do well.

"I think when he plays he shows his passing ability. It's second to none in the team. It calms everything down. I feel sorry for the man because he's worked extremely hard and his little niggles must be frustrating.

"But I don't think this injury is a major thing. I think he felt something and experience told him to get off before he did anything majorly wrong."

Grella did miss Blackburn's Tuesday match at Birmingham City, although Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is optimistic that the Aussie could be available by the weekend.

Nelsen added: "Just when we were seeing glimpses of Vince at his best, a little thing like this just puts the brakes on him. But hopefully it's nothing major and he can get back on the field and get a good run going."

Blackburn's next fixture is a home game against Tottenham in the Premier League this Saturday.