Weimann: I'm ready and raring to go if called upon against Blackburn

By Dan Harrison

Andreas Weimann is hungry for an opportunity to shine against Blackburn Rovers, insisting: "I'm ready and raring to go if required."

Weimann has impressed Alex McLeish in recent weeks after netting two hat-tricks in his last three outings for the reserves.

But the Austrian striker has been propelled further into the manager's thoughts after leading marksman Darren Bent was sidelined with a long-term ankle injury.

And, although Weimann is gutted for his team-mate, he would relish the chance to step up to the plate in the England hotshot's absence.

"I saw the website and obviously there was a lot of talk about Darren's injury and it is not good for us because he is our top goalscorer," he said.

"But hopefully I can get a chance now and show the gaffer what I can do.

"I have prepared well the whole week and if I get the chance I will be ready, 100 per cent.

"I don't think it will faze me. It would just be brilliant if I could get a chance to play in front of so many fans.

"You just get excited and want to do your best, I don't think I'll be afraid.

"I'm close at the moment and I am doing my best in training and if I get the chance I am 100 per cent fit and looking forward to it."

Weimann is feeling sharp after playing 45 minutes for Austria U21s on Wednesday night in a 2-1 win over Switzerland in Valencia.

The 20-year-old hopes he has done enough to catch the eye of his coaches for both club and country.

"We played against Switzerland in Spain which was nice because it was really hot and we won as well," he added.

"I played 45 minutes which was good to get some game time and it was a good win.

"We have a new manager who wanted to see every player so that is why I played 45.

"I think everyone did their best trying to impress the manager and I think everyone did."

Click here for Fulham tickets.

Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa