Andi’s pre-season plan

Andi Weimann’s season has ended prematurely, but the Austrian says he’s already aiming to beat his scheduled return to full fitness.

After netting a last-gasp equaliser to resue Rovers a point against Norwich City at the beginning of this month, Weimann’s high soon turned to a low just a day later when scans revealed a tear to his meniscus.

Since then, the bandaged-up attacker has been on crutches, with the top goalscorer’s term ending with nine goals from 35 outings since arriving at Ewood Park last summer.

There’s no doubt that the versatile 33-year-old has been a miss for Valerien Ismael and Rovers in the last three outings and, although he admits it’s been tough to watch on from the sidelines, the forward’s experienced enough to know that you have to take the rough with the smooth in football.

He said: “From a real high of scoring a goal in the last minute to having a scan the next day and finding out I have a little tear in my meniscus, that’s football for you, right?

“That brought me back down to earth and it’s been a bit boring for me to be sitting round on the sofa and frustrating that I’ve not been able to help the boys.

“I didn’t feel the issue until the game finished and we made the decision to have surgery.

“I was in the car driving home from the scan and my phone rang. I didn’t want to answer it at first because I thought it might be bad news.

“I went to see a specialist and we had two or three options regarding what to do and we had to think about what was best for my career.

“It was a tough decision because I really wanted to play and help the boys, but it’s the best thing for myself and my career," he added.

“The plan is to be out for three months, which will take me to June and the start of pre-season, and that’s my aim now.

“I’m determined and I’m going to work really hard to come back quicker than expected.”