BLACKBURN Rovers boss Graeme Souness has been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest defender Alan Rogers.

The Ewood chief missed Rovers' 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday to watch the 23-year-old in action for Forest against Port Vale at the City Ground.

But he is unlikely to follow up his interest in the player, who Forest rate in the £2 million bracket.

Rogers has been linked with several big clubs, including Liverpool and Fulham, since joining Forest in a £2 million move from Tranmere in 1997.

But Forest boss David Platt would not be keen on losing the player anyway having forged an impressive reputation as an attacking left-sided defender.

Souness is clearly in the market for a left-sided defender, however, having also run the rule over Huddersfield left-back Jamie Vincent recently.

Meanwhile, striker Egil Ostenstad could be out of Rovers' final game of the season against Manchester City at Ewood on Sunday.

The Norwegian international injured his knee during the warm-up at Palace on Saturday which meant Matt Jansen took his place in the starting line-up and Gary Hamilton was promoted to the bench.

"Egil injured his knee in the warm up so that's why Matt Jansen started," said Tony Parkes, who acted as stand-in manager in the absence of Souness. "It's too early to say how serious it is yet so we'll just have to take a good look at him and see what the medical staff say." Parkes also confirmed skipper Lee Carsley faces disciplinary action after being sent off for retaliation following a second half foul. Carlsey kicked out at Palace midfielder Stephen Thomson following a crunching challenge and now faces the threat of a three match ban at the beginning of next season.

"I didn't see it clearly because there were a lot of bodies in the way," said Parkes.

"But the referee had no hesitation in sending him off and if he kicked him then there's no arguments.

"Obviously, I think frustration took over. But we can't have players getting sent off and then sitting in the stand.

"It's something that happens in the heat of the moment, though.

"And, unfortunately, this time it was Lee.

"There is a club policy and you do get fined if you get sent off.

"It will be a percentage of his wages but that's an internal thing."

Parkes had few complaints at the result, however, as second half goals from Ashley Cole and Clinton Morrison ensured Palace beat the drop into the Second Division.

But the one positive note was the performance of Matt Jansen, who scored a fine goal against his old club.

"Matt Jansen played well and scored a good goal which was the one bright spot of the game.

"But they deserved to win it.

"They were already playing well when Carsley got sent off but it certainly did not help the situation once we went down to 10."