I've only seen Kevin play once and that was at centre half, but when I worked with Gary Bowyer on the player profiles he did say he can play in midfield, didn't mention goalscoring though, I assume he's injured as he was there today but didn't play.

I think it is more a case of with Hughes/Bowen/Eddie/Glyn etc taking a much greater interest of all levels of football at the club, a lot of players have moved up the ranks a lot quicker. For instance four of our under 18 squad actually aren't based with the Academy any more (Garner, Treacy, Nolan, Hodge), they are based up at the senior training centre to help their progression. Almost all of last season's Academy winning side are now reserve regulars, with the majority of Gary Bowyer's under 18 side now actually made up of players who are 17, 16 and 15. Previously Rovers have taken advantage of the system that allows teams to field an overage player, but they won't be doing that as the staff want to keep pushing the youngsters forwards as opposed to backwards. Off the top of my head, three players who played in the Academy 18's 4-1 win over Sunderland today are elgible to play for the under 16s. Two of them aren't even listed on the under 18s squad because of this (Bateson, Rogers). Incidentally, Sunderland were coached by Kevin Ball, I found it quite amusing when he shouted "stay on your feet when you are tackling" to a young lad, oh yes just like you did against Dunny in December 2000? Glyn Hodges was again down there keeping an eye on the lads whereas under the previous regime Souness's staff were rarely spotted at the Academy. Talking of Hodges' reserves, they are in action on Monday night at Ewood Park, ko 7pm, when Sunderland are the visitors.

maybe I should stop posting updates, covers are on, covers are off, covers are back on.

but thats the point, weather permitting it isn't raining yet, but its on the way, surely the Australia should have "made hay whilst the sun shines" if you know what I mean. Update, its now raining, the 'big' covers have come on, can't see there being any further play today if its the same weather that has been up here for the last 24 hours!

Me confused, Australia have chosen to take the light and have come off! Fair enough if it rains, but to accept the offer to come off because of the poor light conditions is bizarre in the extreme. Australia need as long at the crease as possible surely?

And following on, for those who'd like to read more about the new crop of youngsters, here's the Academy profiles section on the website Keita's profile isn't live as he doesn't have clearance to play just yet.

It worked for big Merv!

England win toss and bat

Collingwood gets the nod. Whoever will win the toss will bat.

That'd be Ricky Ponting.

Is it Fountain Gate PG?

ha ha ha

My friends at nufc.com aren't happy bunnies

McGrath out. I assume Kasprovic will come in. Whoever wins the toss will bat.

someone is wide awake and alert this morning!

Thats about the same over here.

Just won Bill Laurie: This is Your Life on ebay for £2 repeat after me, two for twenty two

During my (often) arguments with PTV (the technical people who manage the infrastructure and do the highlights), I always cite Liverpool as a prime example as to what Rovers World should offer in terms of highlights and quality. But the problem is that the FLi network (of which Rovers are part of) has some 80 odd clubs to look after and therefore doesn't treat clubs individually. When I made the suggestion at the end of April to them about the possibility of us including Rovers World as part of the season ticket package, their response was distinctly luke warm and indeed offered us a leaflet to put in with our packs. Hardly what I was after.

Actually, the proportion of funds that goes to the club from World subscriptions isn't too bad at all (compared to other deals). I tried this close-season to actually come up with a plan whereby we could offer all season ticket holders Rovers World for free, but alas we couldn't work things out with Football League interactive or PremiumTV for it to be done, they weren't keen. Therefore I had to shelve that idea.

The one where there's a 450,000 crowd at the MCG and Australia have made 500odd from their 50 overs? But there's a storm coming and Sri Lanka are 3-0 (or 0-3 for us brits) and then it starts raining? "Thats right, ###### off and run for cover!" Lonerangers Da Silva, Iwroteanote Returntasenda! (da dum da dum) My personal favourite is Ileftmateef Inajaratthesideofthabed Some of them are very clever: Wasim Akram = Wasi acrim? I've got: The 12th Man Again, Still The 12th Man and the Wired World of Sports 2

I complained about it on Saturday. Far too loud, I've still got earache

If we'd have been listening to the fans, we'd have come out to tunes varying from The Ace of Spades to bloody Wigfield! Considering the age range that attend Ewood Park, it isn't the easiest job in the world to please everyone with a piece of music.

I listened to The 12th Man on the way to the Ashes last week, excellent stuff, I'd recommend it to anyone who likes Cricket. The Bill Laurie and Tony Greig stuff is excellent. Does Max Walker still do any commentating? Good to see some fellas at Old Trafford wearing the Cream, Beige, The Off White, and Ivory jackets

Kamy, a better read would be the AVForums website, they have an extensive forum about HDTV

Are MS still sticking with DVD for their XBOX? Or are they opting for HD-DVD? Sony are going Blu-Ray on their PS3, might be a useful way to get a Blu-Ray player