Various media sources including the Rovers official web site are reporting quotes from Rovers chief executive John Williams stating that Rovers will not be applying to enter the Intertoto Cup. Quotes attributed to Mr Williams are as follows. "While the attractions of the Intertoto Cup are obvious and tempting, we believe that we must not do anything that could jeopardise our performance in the Premiership," he said. "We do not have the biggest squad in the Premiership and it will be difficult for us to add to the squad number for next season, although we do expect to bring about further improvements through astute trading in the transfer market. "The matter has been discussed at length with Graeme Souness and all parties are in complete agreement." These comments follow articles in some of the morning papers, where they allegedly state Souness believes that returning to competitive action weeks before the start of the Premier season could have a disastrous effect on the team. Souness is quoted in the morning press as said: I won't be getting too excited about playing in the Intertoto but the decision as to whether we play won't be taken by me. "We haven't spoken about it, but if the board see it is a chance to earn some money, then I can understand." Souness gives the example of Fulham who this season qualified for the Uefa Cup on the strength of their Intertoto efforts but have since slumped dramatically.

Socceroo Suspended Rovers Australian full back Lucas Neill will miss Rovers games against Arsenal on the 15 March and the away trip to Newcastle on the 22 March after pleading guilty to a charge of misconduct following his sending off at Everton on 14 December. Neill served his one-match ban for the dismissal at Everton against West Ham on 28 December, but also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of misconduct and has been handed a further two-match suspension. Striker Suspended Another Rover facing suspension is Marc Richards who is currently on loan to Swansea. The young 20 year old striker was sent off in Swanseas 4-0 defeat by Mike Newells table topping Hartlepool on Saturday. It is also reported in some of the media that Richards is desperate to stay on at Rovers, but admits that he may have to move on for the sake of his career. Richards is quoted to have said. "I'd like to stay at Blackburn but if that's not possible then I just want to play at the highest level I possibly can." Hakan Sukar Reports indicate that although Hakan Sukur is back in full training it is unlikely at present that he will feature in Graeme Sounesss plans for the game against Manchester City on Saturday. The on loan Turkish international has yet to play for the club after breaking his leg shortly after joining Rovers in December.

First it was Craig Hignett who was sent to Coventry, then Matt Jansen was sent to Coventry, now it appears that Souness has been sent to Coventry. In his post match interview Souness revealed that Saturdays hero David Dunn wasnt talking to him, however it would appear from media reports, Souness doesnt care providing Dunn does his talking out on the pitch. Souness talking about Dunn is quoted as saying. "He's got the hump with me, which I can live with. I've fallen out with people before and if that's the way it has to be so he can become the kind of player I want for Blackburn Rovers, I'll have done him favour. "He has the potential to be a top midfield player in this country, the only thing that holds him back is his attitude. He was getting daft injuries because in my opinion he wasn't giving 100 per cent in training. "I'll do whatever it takes to get the best out of him. If it means him pulling faces behind my back and calling me things, generally not speaking to me, I can live with that, as long as he does the business." Meanwhile Matt Jansen had an unhappy debut for Coventry on Saturday, when they were beaten 2-0 by Bradford, however Matt is showing that never say die attitude that helped Rovers win promotion two seasons ago, with quotes such as. "We cant rule out the play-offs yet. Weve lost four league games on the spin but if we win our next four well be right back up there and everybody will be talking about the play-offs again. Its going to be very hard work but weve got to put our chests out, keep our heads up and carry on."

Final Score 1-2 A last minute goal by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was not enough to dampen the spirits of Rovers fans this afternoon after Rovers had taken a two goal lead through Dwight Yorke and David Dunn, who had scored in the last five minutes at Stamford Bridge, to move Rovers up to 9th in the Premier League. Whilst Rovers fans had their fingers crossed as the game edged towards the final whistle, Yorke out jumped the Chelsea defence to head home a Dunnie corner after 85 minutes and Dunn then sealed up the game for the Rovers with a shot from the edge of the box. Chelsea managed a consolation goal with seconds left when Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored from a 25-yard free-kick. Once again Rovers hero was the the American World Cup star Brad Friedel, who broke Chelseas hearts with a string of saves, to keep Rovers in the game, before they took the lead on 85 minutes. Within 10 min of the kick off Friedel made a brilliant save against Gudjohnsen and then made another stunning save, turning away a close range shot from Hasselbaink on the half hour mark. In the second half Rovers played the holding game relying on the break away, with Friedel making brilliant saves from, Babayaro, Lampard, Gudjohnsen, Hasselbaink and Zola. In all honesty, Chelsea had dominated the game, however due to poor finishing and the brilliance of Friedel, it was Rovers who eventually came away with all 3 points and continued with their impressive record of not having been beaten in recent times at Stamford Bridge. Local hero David Dunn came back in to the team after injury, and showed his commitment not only as a player but also as a self confessed Rovers supporter, causing Chelsea problems in midfield, and was rewarded for his efforts with what turned out to be the winning goal. Teams. Chelsea Cudicini , Melchiot , Gallas , Terry , Le Saux (Babayaro 19 ), Stanic (Zenden 65) , Morris , Lampard , Gronkjaer (Zola 45) Gudjohnsen , Hasselbaink Subs not used: Evans, Lucas. Rovers Friedel , Neill , Short , Berg , Johansson(Gillespie 62), Dunn , Tugay , Flitcroft , Gresko , Cole (Ostenstad 83) Grabbi (Yorke 57) Subs not used: Kelly,Taylor. Referee Graham Poll.

David Dunn Following recent comments in the media by Graeme Souness it would appear from todays media reports that David Dunn is determined to stay at Rovers. Dunn is reported to have said: "I'm a Blackburn player and a Blackburn fan, so there is no reason for me to go elsewhere. "It was only in August I was in the England reckoning, and it's nice to hear talk of me being a future England international. "But my goal at the moment is to put all the injuries behind me, win a consistent place in the team and play well for Blackburn Rovers." Rovers Exciles Another player making a come back with Rovers in mind is Matt Jansen as he make his debut for Coventry tomorrow against Bradford. Who revealed at a press conference this week he hopes he can help Coventry in their bid for promotion, before returning to Ewood for next seasons campaign. Meanwhile Rover on loan striker Marc Richards is included in Swanseas team to play Mike Newells table topping Hartlepool tomorrow.

David Dunn has recovered from his hamstring injury and is included in Souness's squad to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, however Damian Duff has not recovered from his hamstring injury and Rovers are also without the suspended Andy Todd and David Thompson. Rovers will select from: Friedel, Kelly, McEveley, Johansson, Gresko, Berg, Short, Taylor, Neill, Flitcroft, Gillespie, Cole, Ostenstad, Grabbi, Yorke, Tugay, Dunn. Should Zola play tomorrow it will be his 300 appearance for Chelsea, which is quite ironic, as his first league game for Chelsea was against the Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday 16th November 1996. Chelsea will select from: Cudicini: Melchiot, Terry, Gallas, Le Saux, Babayaro, de Lucas, Zenden, Morris, Lampard, Zola, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen, Stanic, Gronkjaer, Cole, Huth, Evans. Referee. Graham Poll.

Correction. Front page will be updated shortly. FA Cup on Saturday 4 March should read. "FA Cup on Saturday 8 March" the charity game is to be played on Tuesday 4 March.

With Rovers not being involved in the FA Cup on Saturday 8 March, media reports suggest that Souness has made a number of the Rovers players available for selection in the Rest of the World XI to play an African XI in a Charity Game on the 4 March, at the Reebok Stadium, in aid of the Kanu Heart Foundation. Players reported released for the game include, Friedel, Tugay, Yorke, Cole, Duff and Thompson. However the latter would be doubtfull due to recent injury treatment. Other player reported to feature include Kanu, Vieira, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole,Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Melchiot, Desailly, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Youri Djorkaeff, and Jay-Jay Okocha, however it is unlikely that the Arsenal and Chelsea players will be released due to Cup commitments. The Rest of the World side is to be managed by Sam Allardyce with former Liverpool winger John Barnes taking charge of the African Select Xl.

No Runout for Dunn As reported here last night it was hoped that David Dunn would get a runout in the reserves, in order to regain match fitness before the trip to Chelsea on the weekend, however Rovers reserve game against Villa at Walsalls, Bescot Stadium has been called off because of a frozen pitch. After a lunch time inspection only 90% of the pitch was deemed playable and a section of the stand was frozen solid. No new date for the game has yet been agreed. Damian Duff Media reports would indicate that Damian Duff is not quite ready for inclusion in Sounesss squad to play Chelsea this weekend. Souness is quoted as saying that Duff needs an extra week to make a full recovery, and that Rovers can't afford to have any more set-backs with Damien between now and the end of the season. Hearing Delayed Graeme Souness's FA Disciplinary hearing due to be held at Bolton's Reebok Stadium today, has been postponed for a month in order to allow both sides to gather more evidence. Souness was charged with misconduct following an argument between him and the fourth official during Rovers' Worthington Cup game at Wigan. Jansen Rovers on loan striker, Matt Jansen started training with Coventry for the first time today and in his first press conference with the local media stated that he believes the Sky Blues should suit him and hopes his experience in Division One will help the club. The Coventry Web site report the following quotes from Matt . "Graeme Souness said it would be unfair to rush me back when I wasnt 100% ready. We agreed that I needed first team football rather than reserve team football. A few clubs came in who were willing to take me and I had the choice to make which club it was going to be. I thought Gary McAllister likes to play football, he obviously knows his football as well so I opted for Coventry for that reason. "My match fitness is fine and I havent really had a problem with fitness. I did a bleep test on Friday and managed to get as good a score as I achieved last year. Match fitness hasnt ever really been a problem, its just the fine tuning thats got to be done. Midland based Rovers wishing to support Matt, should note that Coventrys next home game is against Bradford on Saturday.

Following last weeks run out in the reserve game against Middlesbrough David Dunn is set to play in the reserves against Villa at the Bescot Stadium tomorrow night in his comeback from calf and hamstring injuries. The return to fitness of the England international midfielder is a blessing for Rovers Manager Graeme Souness, following the announcement that suspended David Thompson has undergone surgery on a knee problem, an injury that he has been carrying for a couple of weeks. It is reported that the club have taken the opportunity to carry out the surgery, whilst Thompson is serving a two-match ban for accumulating ten yellow cards so far this season. Reports would suggest that the surgery involved the removal of some debris from around the knee and it is anticipated that his recovery shouldn't take to long.

Rovers Exiles Rovers on loan striker Marc Richardsscored both goals for Swansea in their 2-0 defeat of Cambridge United. A win that takes Swansea clear of the relegation zone. Matt Jansenhas been given squad number 9 shirt by Coventry for a three-month loan period, the shirt previously worn by fellow Rovers team-mate Craig Hignett whilst on loan at Coventry. Transfer Gossip Craig Hignett is hoping for a move in the summer. Hignett doesnt think he'll be involved with Rovers when fit. It is reported that he has made his feelings clear to the Souness and is now waiting to see what happens. Hignett is quoted in the media as saying "I've still got a year left on my contract so it's up to the club whether they'll let me go or not, but I think they will." "I just want to go and play football. I'm no spring chicken but I feel I've got three or four years left in me and I don't want to finish as a bit-part player. Defensive Coach Media reports suggest that Graeme Souness is delighted that Craig Short has signed a one year extension to his contract, not only because of retaining a valued player but also for the influence that Short can give in developing Tiny Taylor into one of the countries best defenders. Media report Short as saying. that 'Tiny' has a big future in the game and he will be delighted to tutor him until the summer of 2004. "Tiny's had an outstanding year. In some of the games he has played in he's been absolutely outstanding," "He's talented, he's got everything you need as a centre-half. Birthday Cap After gaining his first England cap, playing around 20 minutes in the second half, for England U21 on Tuesday night against Italy, Jay McEveley is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Jay who turned 18 on Tuesday is quoted as saying. "If I can get a regular first team place at Blackburn and do well for them then that will be great. Further international recognition will come if Im good enough. Striker Debut Hakan Sukar has returned to training and Souness is targeting a debut for the Turkish international against Manchester City on March 1st. Media reports have quoted Souness as saying "If things go well then he could be in the frame for Manchester City. he's been working his socks off and he's really impressed everyone with the amount of work he has put in." Tickets for the Manchester game went on sale last Monday. This is a Category A match and home supporters with a record of purchasing tickets prior to the 1st February can purchase tickets for this game. Manchester City have been allocated the whole of the Darwen End.

Craig Short Reports from the media and official club web site, indicate that Craig Short has signed a 12 month extension to his current contract, that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2004. Short is reported to have said: "My original contract was due to run out this summer, but I had the option to extend it based on appearances and I am delighted to do so." Matt Jansen Following Souness's comments regarding the loaning out of Matt Jansen, in order to allow him to get competative match practice the media are linking Matt with a number of clubs.It is reported that Burnley, Coventry, Derby, Wolves, Preston and Watford are showing an interest in signing Matt Jansen on loan. However Graeme Souness is reported to have said whether he goes on loan or not and to which club is down to Matt and his family to decide. News that will come as a relief to Rovers fans is reported in the LET tonight that states that, Matt is set to turn down Burnley's overtures in favour of a move elsewhere following a meeting with Ewood chief Graeme Souness. David Dunn As reported here previously, Rovers reserves were beaten 3-1 by Middlesbrough last night, however the game saw the welcome return of local hero David Dunn from injury. Dunn came off after 75 minutes unscathed and looks a good prospect to replace the suspended David Thompson in midfield against Chelsea a week on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Although Rovers reserves took the lead through Neil Danns, a first half goal by Franck Queudrue and two second half goals by Craig Dove lead to a convincing win for Borough.

Final Score. 3-2 Rovers youth were tonight Knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by Leeds United, when Leeds youngster Henry McStay scored a hat-trick of penalties. Rovers goals were scored by Jerome Watt and Paul Gallagher.

Henning Berg is the latest Rovers player to be called up for international duty this week. The Norwegian defender has been called up for Norways game against Greece on Wednesday. Other Rovers on international duty are: Gillespie for Northern Ireland against Finland. Nils-Eric Johansson for Sweden against Tunisia. Lucas Neill for Australia against England. Jay McEveley for England U21 against Italy U21.

If Rovers are to play in Europe next season it appears that the club will need to qualify through premier league final position, as press reports suggest that Rovers will not attempt to gain a back door entrance to Europe through the Inter Toto Cup. It is alleged that John Williams has stated. That the matter is to be discussed at a board meeting this week, and whilst the board recognise it's an easy route into Europe it's probably not something they want to go in for.

Rovers find of the season Jay McEveley gets his first international call up. After being withdrawn earlier this month from an England youth tournament due to club commitments, the 17-year-old centre back who has been a revelation since being called up from the accademy to ease Rovers left-back problem spot, has now been rewarded with a call up to David Platts England U21 squad to face Italy on Tuesday.

After speculation in the media, stating that Rovers were considering loaning out Matt Jansen, once Hakan Sukar was fit, Graeme Souness in his post match interview today admitted that the club may consider letting Jansen go out on loan, so that the player can regain match fitness. Souness stated that Matt now needed competitive match practice, and maybe for Jansen to have a decent run of competitive games loaning him out would be the best option.

With 25 minutes gone a right wing cross by Gillespie lead to the solitary goal by midfielder David Thompson that gave Rovers a 1-0 home win against Southampton at Ewood Park this afternoon. In a game where neither team wanted to loose, both goalkeepers had a busy afternoon, with Friedel once again proving what a world class keeper he has developed in to. First he denied Marsden, then pulled off a brilliant double save parrying Fernandes' powerful shot and then reacted quickly to block James Beattie's follow-up. Blackburn took the lead on 26 minutes when the ball was worked to Gillespie and his cross found Thompson who swept the ball past home from 15 yards. Southampton pushed for the equaliser, but Rovers revamped defence with old war horses Berg and Short were determined to keep a clean sheet. Southampton pushing forward left spaces at the back but Rovers failed to capitalise, through Andy Cole on two occasions, and a header from Yorke went narrowly wide, plus a stinging shot from Tugay that was saved the Southampton keeper. Final score 1-0 Rovers Friedel, Neill , Short , Berg , Gresko , Gillespie (Ostenstad 90) , Flitcroft , Tugay (Johansson 57) Thompson , Cole , Yorke (Taylor 62) Subs not used Grabbi, Kelly Southampton Niemi , Telfer , Lundekvam , Svensson , Higginbotham , Fernandes (Prutton 71), Oakley , Svensson (Ormerod), Marsden , Beattie , Tessem Subs not used Williams , Davies, Jones Yellow card. Marsden Ref: M Riley Attendance 24896 Peter Jackson Man of the Match Craig Short. As a result of todays win Rovers move up to 10 in the table.

Another good post Alan. The N key was a little too near the M key though! I've been off work all week with a bug. Must have affected the keyboard. Admin. can you do a update.

With the visit of the premiers top English goal scorer, James Beattie, Rovers for once have a choice of experienced central defenders for tomorrows clash at Ewood Park against visitors Southampton. After coming through Wednesday nights cup match Henning Berg retains his place in tomorrows squad, whilst fit again Craig Short and cup tied Gresko get recalled to the 18 man squad named by Graeme Souness. Despite suggestions earlier in the week Damian Duff, has not regained fitness and will sit this one out, along side fellow injured midfielder David Dunn. Rovers squad Friedel, Kelly, Short, Berg, Neill, Gresko, McEveley, Taylor, Ostenstad, Thompson, Johansson, Gillespie, Grabbi, Douglas, Flitcroft, Cole, Yorke, Tugay. New signings Danny Higginbotham and David Prutton are both included in Gordon Strachans squad and hope to make their Southampton debuts. Whilst Agustin Delgado and Marian Pahars are still out injured. Southampton squad Niemi, Telfer, Lundekvam, M Svensson, Higginbotham, Fernandes, Oakley, A Svensson, Marsden, Beattie, Ormerod, Tessem, Prutton, Benali, Delap, Arias, Williams, Davies, Dodd, Jones. Referee Mike Riley In 13 premiership games this season has issued 2 reds and 48 yellow cards.

Rovers v Leeds In front of a crowd of 560, Rovers reserves beat Leeds reserves 2-1 at Morcambe last night. In what is reported to be an exciting game Rovers took the lead through Paul Gallagher in the 35minute. Collecting the ball out wide to the right Gallagher dribbled past two defenders before unleashing a low shot to the far corner of the goal, beyond the desperate Nigel Martyn. Rovers extended their lead 3 minutes later, when Martyn failed to hold a Corbett shot, allowing Donnelly to nip in and score. With 5 minutes to go before half time Leeds pulled a goal back through McMaster, who blasted the ball into the top corner past Robinson. The score line remained the same until the final whistle, but all reports suggest that this was an end to end affair with both teams working hard to create chances. Final score 2-1 The result looks exceedingly good when considering that, once Jansen (80min) and Curtis (75min) had been substituted this was basically the academy side. Rovers team. Robinson, Hockenhull, Pelzner, Danns, Curtis, (Fitzgerald 75), Greer, Corbett, Donnelly,Jansen,(Johnson 80) Gallagher, Morgan, (Watt 62) Sub not used Drench. Leeds team. Martyn, Farren, Newey, Burns, Cansdell-Sheriff, Kilgallon (Cronin 46) Woods, Keegan, Johnson, McMaster, Singh. Subs not used Winter, Carson, McDaid, Constable.

After it looked as if Rovers had performed a dramatic escape when Garry Flitcroft's second goal deep into injury time had taken the game into extra time. Rovers were convincingly beated in the penalty shoot out. Within 10 minutes of the start Kevin Phillips collected a through ball from Thornton to give Sunderland the lead. Rovers equalised through captain Garry Flitcroft as he headed home from Thompson's corner to put Blackburn back in the game. With 10 minutes remaining, Gavin McCann put Sunderland in the lead with a superb volley. However with only seconds of the tie remaining Garry Flitcroft slides in at the far post to convert David Thompson's cross. Score at 90 min 2-2. With no goals in extra time, the game went into penalties,Phillips, Kilbane and McCann were on target in the shoot-out, sending Sunderland through as Thompson missed and Andy Cole and Grabbi saw their efforts saved by Sorensen. Sunderland: Sorensen, Gray (Oster 114), Thome, Craddock, Wright, Arca (McCartney 87), Thornton, McCann, Kilbane, Phillips, Proctor (Kyle 116). Subs Not Used: Macho, Thirlwell. Yellow card . Proctor. Blackburn: Friedel, McEveley (Douglas 45), Johansson (Grabbi 82), Taylor, Neill, Berg, Tugay, Flitcroft, Thompson, Cole, Yorke (Ostenstad 72). Subs Not Used: Jansen, Kelly. Yellow card. Neill, Thompson. Attendance: 15,745. Referee: A D'Urso

After recent disappointing results, Rovers travel to the Stadium of Light tomorrow night for the FA Cup replay against Sunderland. With Rovers having conceded a number of goals due to defensive mistakes it is anticipated that Graeme Souness will make changes to the line up that have conceded 11 goals in their last four games. Three of the goals being conceded in the entertaining 3-3 draw, 10 days ago against Sunderland at Ewood Park, when Dwight Yorke prevented Rovers exit from the FA Cup with a last minute goal. With Craig Short, Dunn and Duff still out injured and Andy Todd suspended, Souness has recalled defenders Hemming Berg and Lucas Neill to his 18 man squad for tomorrows game. However new signing Gresko will have to miss the game as he is not eligible until the fifth round, against Watford on the 15 February, assuming Rovers are successful tomorrow night. Rovers. Friedel, Neill, Berg, Taylor, McEverley, Curtis, Johansson, Gillespie, Thompson, Tugay, Flitcroft, Cole, Yorke, Jansen, Douglas, Danns, Ostenstad, Kelly.

Rovers and Irelands left winger has been included in the uefa.com team of the year. Link. http://www.uefa.com/uefa/news/Kind=131072/newsId=52201.html