KEVIN Gallacher's Ewood future could be in the balance, as he is about to enter the final year of his contract with Blackburn Rovers with no signs at the moment of talks on a new deal being opened.

Given the 'usual' club policy of not allowing contracts to run down too far, that must put question marks over his position.

The 32-year-old striker has been a favourite with the fans ever since his move from Coventry.

But he has had to overcome a series of injury problems, which returned to haunt him last season after an outstanding campaign in 1997-98.

Gallacher confirmed that he had not had any approach from the club about the possibility of discussing new terms, though it should also be said that there hasn't been any indication that Rovers would like to sell him either.

But the fact that Rovers made continuing efforts throughout last season to persuade Stephane Henchoz - who also has only one year left - to accept a new deal could mean something.

There might be sweeping changes at Ewood this summer and Rovers have a host of strikers.

Whether Gallacher has a major part to play or not in manager Brian Kidd's plans remains to be seen.

But the player himself remains philosophical about his situation.

"Nothing has been said to me so far and I'll just wait and see what happens," said the Scot.

"To be honest, I have been that busy trying to get fit, I haven't really thought about it."

If Rovers do not intend to try to extend Gallacher's present terms then he will be able to claim a free transfer at the end of next season under Bosman.

The club's circumstances, of course, have changed dramatically with relegation back to the Football League.

But the player is not over-anxious about his position, as he explained: "A year's a year, I am still secure and I have until Christmas or January before I need to think about that." And he added with a smile: "I suppose it's a case of watch this space."

Meanwhile his injury-plagued season could receive some light relief from a crucial double date with Scotland, as they attempt to qualify for next year's European Championship finals.

Gallacher believes the Scots still have an excellent chance of making the finals and is looking for a good result away to the Faroe Isles on Saturday week to set them up for the crunch game in Prague against the Czech Republic four days later.

Although he was forced to miss recent internationals because of injury, the Rovers star has always maintained his self-belief that he had a part to play.

And he looks set for a key role in this latest double, reckoning that the pressure will switch and be on the Czechs this time after their victory in Scotland.

"It's been a nightmare year for me but I never had any doubts that I would get back in the squad," he said.

"Having said that, it's always nice to be selected.

"We know we have to get a result against the Czechs and the game against the Faroes could set us up for it.

"I am sure we can do well. We didn't start playing against them (the Czechs) until they scored.

"But your home games are always the hardest."

Meanwhile chief executive John Williams dismissed increasing speculation that Rovers were preparing a bid for Liverpool's Paul Ince.

"There is nothing in that at all," he said.

And rumours that newly-promoted Sunderland have made a bid of £8 million for Garry Flitcroft and Jason Wilcox brought a tongue-in-cheek response from the chief executive.

"What, £8 million each?" he cracked. For the record, Rovers have not received an approach from Sunderland for any of their players.

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