Ewood Beat

Rovers ready for Battle of Britain

DO you remember the famous 'Battle of Britain' between Blackburn Rovers and Celtic last season?

Well, Rovers have lined up another Anglo-Scottish clash on a secret date next month which could help to boost the international prospects of teenage sensation Paul Gallagher.

Scotland manager Berti Vogts is hoping to bring a Scotland 'future' squad to Brockhall for a specially-arranged behind-closed-doors friendly with Rovers in March.

And all eyes are likely to be on Gallagher, who has forced his way into the reckoning for a full international call-up following some impressive displays in the Premiership with Rovers.

Vogts uses the 'future' squad as an opportunity to blood emerging young Scottish talent.

And he has lined up the game with Rovers following a conversation with Graeme Souness.

Details of the match are being kept closely under wraps but no fans will be allowed to watch the friendly which is likely to take place at Brockhall rather than Ewood.

If Gallagher plays -- and it's not yet clear what side he would play for -- it would provide the 19-year-old with an ideal opportunity to press his claims for a full call-up.

He has been named in several 'future' squads before but never the senior squad.

"I've played four times for Scotland B now. I haven't scored yet, but I'm getting closer," said Gallagher, speaking in this month's edition of Four Four Two.

"After my most recent game, Graeme Souness told me Berti Vogts had phoned to say he thought I'd done well, so that was encouraging."

Eriksson at Ewood: Still as clear as mud

THIS month's edition of 'When Saturday Comes' features an interesting article on Sven Goran Eriksson's agent, Athole Still.

Still, a former Olympic swimmer, is the man who claims to be responsible for Sven's appointment as the manager of England.

And he was also heavily involved in talks to bring Eriksson to Rovers in 1997 as well, only for the Swede to make a dramatic last minute U-turn.

Describing his part in negotiations, Still commented: "I did the Blackburn deal, approaching them in the first instance.

"He had absolutely agreed to go there. That situation has been blurred and some of it is still confidential.

"All I would say is this: though a contract was in place, it's significant Blackburn made no compensation claim.

"So in that sense, it was an amicable parting."

Well, thanks for making that so much clearer, Mr Still! I feel enlightened now.

Hendry to make Rovers return

FORMER Rovers favourites Kevin Gallacher and Colin Hendry are being lined up for a nostalgic return to Ewood Park.

The Scottish duo, who were both part of Rovers' Premier League title-winning squad of 1995, have agreed to lend their support to Football Aid for a charity match at Ewood on May 18.

The Rovers legends will act as managers for their respective teams and they may even make guest appearances as captains, too.

Football Aid offers fans throughout Britain the chance to realise a dream -- to wear their team's kit and play in a match at their favourite venue -- and raise money for a great cause at the same time.

You can bid on line now at www.footballaid.com for a chance to take part in the most original, exciting football programme for fans ever devised.

A shock for Stead

JONATHAN Stead admitted earlier this week that his move from Huddersfield to Blackburn Rovers has come as something of a 'culture shock.'

For the former Terriers striker has not only found it difficult coming to terms with the gulf in class between the Third Division and the Premiership but he's also found the change in status hard to get his head around, too.

Until recently, the 20-year-old forward drove a Renault Clio and played for a club in administration.

But now he's rubbing shoulders with a team full of millionaires and he's just glad that he had the foresight to change his car before he put pen to paper with his new club.

"I did have a Clio until a few weeks ago but I've got a BMW now and I'm glad I changed it otherwise I would have got some stick off the lads."

Duff is a 'fantasy' footballer

FORMER Ewood favourite Damien Duff has always been popular in Ireland for his mesmerising football ability.

But now it would appear that Duffer has become a smash hit with the ladies in his homeland, too.

For the 24-year-old Chelsea winger was recently voted the third sexiest bloke in Ireland according to a poll.

Duff came third behind Hollywood film star Colin Farrell and Ireland Rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll.

Whatever happened to that shy, retiring bloke from Ballyboden?

The great provider

BLACKBURN midfielder Brett Emerton is currently the second most creative player in the Premiership according to the official Opta stats.

The Aussie international has been responsible for contributing nine assists so far this season, which puts him ahead of Ryan Giggs, Damien Duff, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

Leicester's Muzzy Izzet currently tops the charts with 13, which explains why Graeme Souness was so eager to sign him at the start of the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Emerton and his Rovers team-mate, Tugay, are both just one booking away from a one-game ban.

Third time lucky for cup

BLACKBURN Rovers are hoping it's going to be a case of third time lucky when they attempt to stage their FA Youth Cup clash with West Brom next week.

The fourth round tie has already fallen victim to the weather twice but the club hope they will finally get it played at Morecambe's Christie Park on Tuesday night (kick-off 7pm).

A net return

BLACKBURN Rovers Football In The Community department (BRIC) are calling all youngsters with an eye for finding the net - playing netball.

The team are looking to establish Junior netball leagues. Games will be played at 'the BRIC,' adjacent to Ewood Park on Sunday mornings. Anyone interested in the Junior leagues or requires further information, should contact Rick Wakefield on 01254 296256.