Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has had his mobile phone confiscated by his wife ahead of Rovers' clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening in case he attempts to relay information.

'Big Sam' is due to undergo minor heart surgery on Friday and the 55-year-old has been ordered by doctors to ease his stress levels ahead of the angioplasty procedure - easier said than done for a Premier League manager!

And his other half Lynn, who clearly wears the trousers in the relationship, has taken all the necessary measures to ensure her husband relaxes ahead of the op, which includes banning him from using his mobile phone.

Rovers assistant boss Neil McDonald has admitted he was cut off from Allardyce before kick-off during Sunday's 2-0 win over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium and is expecting similar treatment ahead of Wednesday evening's game.

"I won't have a hotline to Sam if it's anything to do with his wife," McDonald told The Daily Mail."She confiscated his phone on Sunday and will probably do it again.

"I will probably speak to him before the game and afterwards. We will pick the team together before the game and then speak once it's all over."

McDonald also revealed that despite Allardyce approaching his heart operation the meticulous planning process he conducts prior to games has been closely administered.

He added: "Sam is going into it just as he always does by finding out as much detail as he can. That way he can feel comfortable with what is going to happen."