Barry Ferguson, the Scotland captain, could be playing again within five weeks, according to his club manager, Graeme Souness.

Ferguson, who fractured his kneecap during Blackburn's game with Newcastle in December, was expected to be out for the remainder of the season. However, the player has made rapid progress during his rehabilitation and will return to training next week.

Souness said: ''Barry has had five days off and he resumes next week to start running and kicking a football. At this rate he may return as soon as the first week in April. I said I may leave him out until next season. However, given the position we are in, we'll need everyone available, unless we go on a winning run.''