The 28-year-old will train with the Rovers squad this week in the hope of making an impression and securing a possible loan switch to the Barclays Premier League club.

Ellington has struggled at Vicarage Road since making his club-record £3.25m move from West Bromwich Albion back in August 2007, scoring just four times in 38 matches for the Hornets the following season.

He spent last term on loan at Championship rivals Derby County with a view to a permanent deal but Rams manager Nigel Clough did not take up the option and Ellington returned to Watford this summer.

The former Bristol Rovers and Wigan Athletic marksman is understood to be one of the highest earners under Malky Mackay and a loan switch to Rovers, should he impress, could suit all parties.

Meanwhile, manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that long term knee injury victims Brett Emerton and Steven Reid are back in training but there are injury worries over David Dunn and Vince Grella who both missed Saturday's friendly against Sheffield Wednesday.

"Brett and Steven are making really good progress," he said. "We've got them joining in training on a daily basis now.

"But obviously the concern with Dunny and Vince is that those niggles that we saw last year are obviously starting now again.

"So we are worried about that, but the good thing is that they are only niggles, not long term.

"We've a few knocks and bruises after the game on Saturday, but we don't think there is anything too serious.

"We've got Hibs and then Dundee United, which will help us catch up on match fitness for the 15th."