BLACKBURN winger Keith Gillespie could still have a role to play at Ewood this season despite being told he could find himself a new club over the summer.

The Northern International wide-man was one of six players who were made available by Rovers over the summer.

But manager Graeme Souness today revealed he has not closed the door on his Ewood career, after naming him among the substitutes for last Saturday's game with Crystal Palace.

"It's my job to utilise every available asset and, as long as players are at this club, then they are available for selection," said Souness.

"Keith hasn't featured so far this summer but I think he suits the kind of system we are going with.

"And if the likes of Damien Duff or Matt Jansen were to get injured then he's the type of player who could provide cover."

Sunderland and Middlesbrough have both been linked with the winger, who came on as a second half sub in Northern Ireland's 2-1 friendly defeat against Yugoslavia last night.

As yet, however, no-one has made a firm approach for his services.