With Gary Flitcroft suspended and Alan Mahon, Craig Short and Andy Todd injured Blackburn manager Graeme Souness has included youngsters Neil Danns, Jonathan Douglas and Ciaran Donnelly in the squad to meet Bolton tomorrow. Bolton will be without Ricardo Gardner who has a knee injury. Blackburn : Friedel, Enckelman, Tugay, Johansson, Gallagher, Neill, Gresko, Yorke, Baggio, Douglas, Cole, Taylor, Jansen, Emerton, Babbel, Danns, Donnelly. Bolton : Jaaskelainen, Hunt, N'Gotty, Thome, Charlton, Campo, Giannakopolous, Frandsen, Okocha, Nolan, Ba, Djorkaeff, Davies, Moreno, Poole, Pedersen, Barness, Jardel.

Meanwhile Graeme Souness is reported as saying he has ended his interest in Leicester City midfielder Muzzy Izzet. Souness had hoped to sign Izzet following the long-term injury to Barry Ferguson. Souness is quoted on club's official website: "We made what we felt was a sensible offer, but that was rejected." Souness also reiterates John Williams's earlier statement that he is not interested in allowing centre-back Tiny Taylor to leave the club. With regards to other transfer Souness is reported as saying : "We have a few options under consideration although there is nothing to say just yet."

Blackburn defender Gresko's yellow card at Wolves midweek was his fifth yellow card of the season, which means he will miss Blackburns game against Chelsea on the 1st February.

Despite rumours in the media that Birmingham had made a bid for Blackburn's central defender Martin Taylor, Rover's Chief Executive John Williams has told BBC Radio Lancashire that although talks took place after last week's FA Cup tie, no bid has been recieved. Mr Williams also insisted that the club did not want to sell the former England U21 defender.

Posted by Flopsy on Message Board Crappy scrappy game, however for a neutral im sure it would have been a cracker - properly end to end. However im not a neutral so ARRGGGHHHHH WE were on top 1st half, Tiny was outstanding, short gone though we were shakey. Tugay was outstandig 1st half, winning tackles passing. Emerton had one run forward and got an assist ARGHHH ARRGHHH ARGGHH WHY CANT HE RUN FORWARD WITH THE BALL. He has the pace and Skill Oh Cole ran his heart out, honestly he played like a winger at some points, brilliant. Yorke came on and scored, good link up play, and held the ball up, had some good shots, unlucky not to score another. Gally ran his socks off, lots of effort, no real end product though, hes still learning. Babbel still hasnt learnt to pass to a Rovers player, Neil was solid, Gresko added some width on the left. To far away to see the defence 2nd half - Johansson looked good at parts shakey at others. Baggio came on, gave height and problems to the wolves defence but more importantly he solidified midfield which to be honest had Flitcroft "playing" but were looking very very open. All in all first half performance 7 2nd half (3rd quarter) 4 (4th Quarter) 6

Blackburn took the lead in the 14th minute with a goal by Andy Cole after a run in to the area by Brett Emerton from right side of penalty area. Half time 0-1 Wolves came out in the second half to take control of the game and 17 minutes into the second half a goal by Butler gave Wolves the equaliser. Then took the lead within the next 10 minutes through Alex Rae. With just over 10 minutes remaining Rovers grabbed a share of the points with a goal by substitute Dwight Yorke. Final Score 2 - 2 Wolverhampton: Oakes, Irwin, Craddock, Butler, Naylor, Newton,(Gudjonsson 82) Rae, Cameron, Kennedy, Iversen,(Blake 31) Camara. Subs not used : Miller, Clyde, Ikeme. yellow card. Cameron Blackburn: Friedel, Babbel, Short,(Johansson 14) Taylor, Neill, Emerton, Flitcroft, Tugay, Gresko,(Baggio 74) Cole, Gallagher(Yorke 60). Subs not used : Yelldell, Jansen . yellow card. Gresko Referee: N Barry Attendance 27,393 Link to Match Report

With Alan Mahon added to the injury list, (thigh injury) there was some good news for Blackburn manager Graeme Souness when Brett Emerton and Craig Short were declared fit enough to be included in the squad for tonight’s game against Wolves. Although the signing of Peter Enckelman’s transfer from Villa was completed yesterday, papers were not completed in time for him to be included in the squad so Yelldell will retain the substitute keeper spot on the bench. Blackburn squad : Friedel, Todd, Neill, Short, Babbel, Gresko, Tugay, Flitcroft, Emerton, Gallagher, Cole, Baggio, Yorke, Jansen, Johansson, Taylor. Yelldell. Referee Neill Barry.

The transfer of Peter Enckelman has been completed for a reported fee of £150,000. plus additional payments subject to appearances. The signing was not competed in time to allow Graeme Souness to include the player in the squad that travels to Wolverhampton for tomorrow nights game. Edited 8am 7.1.2004

Blackburn Rovers have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for goalkeeper Peter Enckelman. He is currently undergoing a medical and then the completion of the transfer rests with the player agreeing to terms.

How the votes went in the November Poll, Poll choices Votes Statistics Souness must stay 247 [82.61%] Souness should resign 11 [3.68%] Give him till Christmas 41 [13.71%]

What the heck are you talking about.

Well reading the Sun this morning Souness's is blaming a mod off this site for the Birmingham result. He is also warning him, on what he expects for the midweek game. FLOPS MUST CAGE WOLVES.

With the January transfer window well and truly opened, things are warming up in the sports news gossip columns involving Blackburn Rovers. Blackburn have had their initial offer for Peter Enckelman rejected by Villa and they have stated that the ball is now in Blackburn’s court. Meanwhile Leicester manager Micky Adams has branded bids, reported to be in the region of £500,000, from Blackburn and Villa for Muzzy Izzet as an insult and has reportedly stated that the midfielder will be "going nowhere" unless a much-improved bid is received, the midfielder is likely to stay until his contract expires at the end of the season. Although there is no mention of Izzet’s transfer on Leicester’s own official web site, Adam’s is being quoted on bbc.co.uk as saying. "We want to retain our Premiership status, and the best way of doing that is to keep our best players. If he stays with us until the summer and his contract runs out it won't be my fault.” Whilst Adam’s main priority is to retain Leicester’s premiership status by keeping his best players, Leicester’s board of directors may be tempted to cash in now on the Turkish international who will be a free agent when his contract runs out in the summer. Rovers are being reported in various media sources to have offered one million euros to Real Sociedad for their Spanish international winger. Javier De Pedro. With all this speculation the next few weeks could be interesting times for Rover's Supporters, with hopefully a few suprises tucked up Souness's sleeve, that will give the supporters the hero they search for. For all the latest fans gossip and breaking news as it happens over the next few days why not check out. Fans Transfer Rumour Link

Not one of the best away grounds I’ve visited, the bare concrete concourse makes you appreciate Ewood Park, with it’s vinyl tile flooring, painted walls, tv screens and tanoy system. I tend to wonder if there was an emergency at St Andrews how they would inform the crowd. The tanoy system wasn’t of much use this afternoon to those like myself sat towards the front of the Railway Stand trying to comprehend why the game was being delayed, although the lack of floodlights should have been a clue. Eventually the game did kick off 35 minutes late, although the frozen travelling supporters in hindsight might have appreciated if the St Andrews maintenance department hadn’t resolved the electrical fault, for it did not appear that the Rovers had been made aware that the game had kicked off. After their recent defeat in the league by Rovers, Birmingham were set for revenge and dominated the first half, fighting for and winning every ball. With Dunn and Savage going close in the first few minutes. Todd having to clear Savages effort off the line. Birmingham had an enforced change to their line up as early as the 12 minute when former Rover Jeff Kenna moved from right back to replace central defender Upson who was streachered off after a tackle on Cole. Another ex Rover, Damian Johnson moving from the right wing position into vacated right back spot and substitute Hughes took over the right wing location. However despite the changes Birmingham took control of the game and were rewarded ten minutes later when Hughes layed the ball through to Morrison who in turn shot past Friedel. Another ex Rover was soon to get in on the act, when David Dunn set off on a run before passing to Forssell who after holding the ball, fed Clemence who slotted the ball past Friedel with his right-foot. Rovers themselves were never in the game and it took them until nearly half time before threatening the Birmingham keeper, only to find that Cole had been ruled off side. Half time 2-0 At half time Souness made a tactical change bringing on Dino Baggio for the in effective Mahon. Baggio taking up the right hand of midfield and Gresko the left side, Souness moved Neill to right back and Babbel to left back, with Short and Todd in the middle of the defence. A further change was made within ten minutes of the restart when Short was replaced by Taylor in the heart of the defence. With half an hour Rovers brought on Yorke for exhausted Gallagher, who had run himself in to the ground chasing lost causes. Although Rovers did have a bit more early possession with Baggio coming close on a couple of occasions, even hitting the post, it was still Birmingham’s day as first Forssell broke free in the 78 minute to round Friedel before shooting into an empty goalmouth and then Morrison lay the ball in to the path of Hughes who made no mistake in getting on the score sheet in the 85 minute. Full time 4-0 With Rovers out of all cup competitions for this season, Souness must now lift the squad, in preparation for the crucial league games against Wolves and Manchester City next week and hope that their next game against Birmingham in May isn’t in order to avoid relegation.

For once I tend to a point to agree with rovers6. 1.Disgusted with the latest cup exit. Not so much the defeat, but the manner in which the team played, or should I say didnt play. 2.Cannot motivate the team to perform regularly Its getting to a point that you dont know which Rovers team is going to turn up, these hot and cold performances can only be put down to Souness. In his playing days Souness was a battler, why cant he get his players into that frame of mind. 3.In the summer, Souness had approx £12 million to find replacements for Berg, Duff and Dunn. a)Due to his injury, I will reserve judgement on Amo, but Babbel is as good as Berge anyway. b)Duff is a one off, no one could have replaced him. c)Ferguson was starting to get to grips with the premier and is a much more accompished player than Dunn. 4.He has screwed up big time. I cant see why he continues to swop the team around, the team never gets a chance to settle and get into a pattern. 5.Before that he had a grandiose plan of rekindling the Yorke, Cole partnership - that failed big time. Very true, I wonder if they have ever played together.

There is a saying "There is nothing as dangerous as a wounded animal" Birmingham City proved that saying this afternoon when they maulded a below par Blackburn side 4-0. Reversing the result when Rovers won 4-0 at St Andrews before Christmas. Birmingham took the lead in the 23 minute with a goal by Morrison and double the lead in the 36 minute with a goal by Clements. Half time 2-0 Blackburn manager Souness made changes at half time taking off the ineffective Mahon to bring on Baggio and although the Italian came close with a couple of shots, Rovers never recovered with Birmingham doubling their score with goals by Forssell and Hughes. Full time 4-0 Birmingham . Taylor, Kenna, Cunningham, Upson (Hughes 13), Lazaridis (Carter 45), Johnson, Savage, Clemence, Dunn (Kirovski 76), Morrison, Forssell. Subs Not Used: Bennett, John. Rovers . Friedel, Babbel, Todd, Short (Taylor 52), Gresko, Neill, Flitcroft, Tugay, Mahon (Baggio 45), Cole, Gallagher (Yorke 59). Subs Not Used: Yelldell, Jansen. Booked: Tugay. Attendance: 18,688. Referee: P Durkin. Match Report

Rovers will be looking to repeat their 4-0 win against Birmingham in the league and have Craig Short available again after recovering from a chest infection, however he may only make the substitutes' bench, if Souness decides to retain the same team that won 1-0 against Newcastle.

Rovers manager Graeme Souness has named a squad of nineteen players for tomorrows 3rd round FA Cup game at St Andrews. Souness has named 3 keepers in his squad as he waits to see whether Villa are prepared to accept a bid made by Rovers for Enckerman, whose loan period ends tonight. Bryan Hughes could stand in for Rovers old boy David Dunn, who is struggling with a groin injury and could miss tomorrows game. Left-back Jamie Clapham could also be absent for Birmingham with the hamstring injury, as could Dugarry who is sidelined with a knee injury. Birmingham squad . Taylor, Kenna, Cunningham, Upson, Lazaridis, Clapham, Johnson, Dunn, Savage, Clemence, Hughes, Cisse, John, Morrison, Forssell, Bennett, Tebily, Purse, Kirovski. Blackburn squad . Friedel, Enckelman/Yelldell, Johansson, Taylor, Todd, Babbel, Neill, Gresko, Short, Baggio, Flitcroft, Mahon, Jansen, Emerton, Tugay, Yorke, Cole, Gallagher. Referee. Paul Durkin

Leicester Manager Micky Adams has confirmed that Blackburn have made an enquiry regarding Turkish midfielder Muzzy Isset. Whilst Sky Sports news are reporting that Blackburn have made bids to sign Isset and to make Villa keeper Peter Enckerman's loan period permanent. Bid for Isset confirmed by Graeme Souness at this mornings, press conference and the club now await a response from Leicester City.

Latest Transfer Gossip. Andy Reid Forest have rejected a £2.5Million offer from Spur for midfielder Andy Reid and are hoping to get nearer to £5m for the player who has also being watched by Rovers, Charlton, Birmingham, and Everton. Muzzy Izzet Leicester City's director of football Dave Bassett has confirmed to skysports.com that neither Aston Villa or Rovers have made a bid for Muzzy Izzet. Both have enquired about the availability of the midfielder, but have yet to make a firm offer, for the player who will be out of contract in the summer.

With just over 48 hours to go before the transfer window opens, Blackburn manager Graeme Souness must be weighing up his options, of what, if any, position he must strengthen for the second half of the season. Souness has gone on record that he was searching for a left sided midfielder and a striker, however with the injury to Barry Ferguson, who will miss the remainder of the season along side David Thompson and imminent suspension of captain Gary Flitcroft, Souness may now opt for bringing in a central midfielder. Having picked up a booking in the Boxing Day game against Middlesbrough, Flitcroft will miss the local derby against Bolton, whilst Andy Todd who picked up his fifth yellow card against Newcastle on Sunday will miss the game away to Manchester City. The loss of the much improved Todd should not affect the team greatly as Rovers appear to have cover, providing Short, Babbel and Taylor remain fit, but there must be questions in the strength in squad depth for the central midfield role. With the only experienced players currently free of injury being Flitcroft and Tugay, plus possibly on loan Baggio will Souness decide on signing a new midfielder or promote from the reserves. The supporters are already speculating on whether the board will release money to the manager, for permenant or loan signings and whether any of the current players will be packing their kit bags. What is certain, the next few weeks could be interesting times at Ewood Park. Link to Transfer Rumours .

How I hate to watch football in front of the television, however there I was thanks to satellite coverage, sat in front of the box, watching this afternoons defeat of Newcastle by Rovers. The problem with watching on television is that you don’t see the full picture, only the view that is seen, is decided by the camera director. The only way to get some sort of overall picture of the game after taking in the stats, is to put together comments and quotations from the supporters who were at the ground. The statistics of the game were that Rovers gained three valuable points by beating Newcastle 1-0 thanks to Shads very own Paul Gallagher, who was first to Emerton’s cross in the 71st minute. A goal that was disputed by Newcastle due to an alleged handball although from his position the referee must have had full view of the incident. There again the same referee had seconds earlier dismissed a claim by Andy Cole for a penalty. As Rover’s manager has said on many occasions these things balance themselves out throughout the season and the history books will state Rover’s won 1-0. The result however was tarnished by the injury to Rovers central midfielder Barry Ferguson, in the 27th minute, who according to reports will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured knee cap. Now that we know the stats, what where the views of the supporters who ventured to the North East. Quote Soueys Bluey Went to the match and I thought it was a thoroughly deserved victory - a great, hard-working team performance and but for a better cutting edge it could have been a wider victory than 1-0. Having said that, I don't think we could have argued if Newcastle were 2-0 up at half-time but that's why we have Brad Friedel in the team as he's more than capable of making the saves that he did to keep the scores level. In the second half we were by far the better side and we could have scored more if Emerton's crosses were better and if Andy Cole was fully match fit - not helped by Souey not playing him recently, I think Cole could have bagged about 2 if he was 100% sharp. He still had a great game, him and Gally worked really hard, as did all of the players although Babbel, Tugay, Neill and Mahon stood out for me. If we can work out how to break down opposition defences at home then we'll be laughing. Quote Claytons Left Boot A word of praise for Gally today - he was brilliant and I thought really came of age. Never stopped running and was a handfull for their defence throughout (a la Simon Garner). Emerton once again worked his socks off, tirelessly covering the right flank as did Mahon on the left. Emerton just needs to be more consistant with his final ball as per the breakaway chance in the second half when we should have wrapped the game up. A great performance today, fully deserved, and I was there to witness our first league victory at St James' since August 1958. If only we could now break our Old Trafford hoodoo

Blackburns win this afternoon at Newcastle was soured by an injury to their Scotish midfielder Barry Ferguson, who was streachered off in the 27th minute. For what appeared to be a an clean 50-50 tackle Ferguson lay motionless and initial reaction from the medical staff and Graeme Souness it would appear that the Scot, who has made a quick impact at Ewood Park, could be out for some time. Reports currently circulating vary from a dislocated to a fractured knee cap, either of which will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Blackburn manager Souness, is reported on Sky Sports to have said. "We've got the three points today but the joy is tempered somewhat with the news about Barry Ferguson. He has broken his kneecap and that will put him out for the remainder of the season,"

The only sour note to an entertaining first half was an injury to Barry Ferguson which resulted in him being streachered off in the 27th minute. Half time 0-0 With Rovers fighting for every ball Cole was unlucky not to get a penalty in the 70th minute, however the ball broke free and a cross in to the box enabled Gallagher to bundle the ball into the back of the net, to give Rover all 3 points. Full time Newcastle 0 Blackburn 1 Newcastle: Given, Hughes, Bramble, O'Brien, Bernard, Solano(Ambrose 70), Jenas, Speed(Viana 81), Robert, Shearer, Chopra(LuaLua 70). Subs not used: Harper, Woodgate, Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Babbel, Todd, Gresko, Emerton, Ferguson(Flitcroft 27), Tugay, Mahon, Gallagher(Jansen 90), Cole(Yorke 86). Subs not used: Enckelman, Taylor. Yellow card : Todd (38) Referee: M Halsey. Attendance : 51,648 MATCH REPORT

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