THE gloves are off in the battle between John Filan and Alan Kelly for the first team keeper's spot with Blackburn Rovers and the winner is. . .Brian Kidd!

For there is little doubt that in paying a modest £675,000 to Sheffield United for Kelly, the Rovers boss secured a top-class replacement for Tim Flowers.

And he also ensured that the two main men in the fight for that first team spot will be kept on their toes.

When you think that the rota at Ewood includes another full international in Northern Ireland's Alan Fettis, who joined Leicester on loan yesterday, plus a young man - Anthony Williams - who has set records for Wales at under-21 level, Rovers have a surfeit of goalkeeping talent.

But, with a trip to unbeaten West Bromwich Albion on the menu for tomorrow, the spotlight falls on the scrap between the two main contenders to grab the gloves.

Filan seems to have first claim and clean sheets against Norwich and Tranmere have helped his cause.

But Kelly certainly did not do himself any harm at Fratton Park on Tuesday, when his all-round game in a 3-0 win over Portsmouth was very impressive.

Both men acknowledge the other's ability and their rivalry can only be of ultimate benefit to the team cause.

Kelly accepted he faced a battle when he moved to Ewood and Filan was aware of his new challenger's qualities.

"We both know the position," stressed Kelly.

"John's done well and kept clean sheets in the last two League games. "All I can do is to do as well as I can when I am given the chance.

"The rest is up to the gaffer.

"I'm just happy to be playing with Blackburn and we'll see how we go."

Fortunately, Kelly was not starting 'cold' at Fratton, for he had only recently returned from playing three tough games in eight days with the Republic of Ireland - where he covered himself in glory in the Euro 2000 qualifying games against Yugoslavia, Croatia and Malta.

And that kind of experience helps keep the frustration of returning to the subs' bench, as he did against Tranmere, at bay.

"The intensity and pressure that was involved in the three games with Ireland was fantastic," he said.

"But I've got to be fair, coming to Blackburn gave me the platform to play well in those games.

"That's all you can do when you are called upon to play and I was happy when I got the nod at Portsmouth.

"I enjoyed it."

The internationals have also ensured that Kelly has kept his competitive edge.

"That's the thing with going away with Ireland, you are playing against quality opposition," he said.

"Yugoslavia and Croatia are world-class opposition and just playing in those games was a privilege.

"And it makes you feel sharp when you go into a game like the cup tie."

Whoever gets the nod tomorrow, Kidd is likely to feel comfortable that he is in safe hands.

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