LEE CARSLEY was expected to complete a £3.3 million move to Blackburn Rovers today in what could be manager Brian Kidd's last throw of the dice this season, writes Peter White.

Final talks were going on with Carsley before the Derby County midfielder put pen to paper on an Ewood Park contract.

And the indications from Rovers today were that provided the Carsley deal went through, then Kidd may be ready to tackle the remainder of Blackburn's relegation fight with only Carsley added to the squad which produced a crucial 3-1 win over Wimbledon on Saturday.

"My personal view is that we are unlikely to sign anybody else before Thursday, although we are always looking to strengthen the squad," said Rovers chief executive John Williams.

One phone call can quickly change a transfer situation but it would seem that talks are not advanced with any potential target other than Carsley, who has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for Saturday's European Championship qualifer in Macedonia with an ankle injury.

Williams added: "Things are going well. There are bits and pieces to tie up which we think will end in a suitable conclusion."

Meanwhile, Kidd revealed after Rovers' first League win since they beat Aston Villa on February 6 that the players themselves had been disappointed by their second-half performance. But the important thing was to claim the first home victory in the Premiership since early January and Rovers were well worth the points which lifted them out of the bottom three.

"I think we always looked a threat going forward, we were just a little bit disappointed after the game," he said.

"But I can understand it in our position and to be fair to Wimbledon they are a tough team. It was a decent first-half performance but there are lads playing who are not yet match fit and they are doing a great job, giving what they can.

"The Premiership is a tough, demanding league and the young lads we have had in there have done a terrific job. "Everybody was disappointed after the first half because we wanted to go on from it.

"We want to set standards but, in defence of the players, I can understand the reasons why we didn't.

"But it's nice to see that they are disappointed and that they are not just happy with the three points.

"There are no easy games in the Premiership and you can't turn it on and off like a light switch. If you think you can, you are kidding yourself."

As the relegation battle heads for a nerve-wracking climax, Kidd's influence has been obvious especially in their record since that nightmare start.

"When I came in December we had nine points from 15 games. That's my 15th game and we have taken 21 points," he said. "In the circumstances, with the injuries and suspensions we have had, I think the lads have done very well by any stretch of the imagination."

Rovers picked up a few knocks on Saturday but they are not engaged in Premiership action again until the visit of Middlesbrough on April 3. Kidd said he did not envisage any of the injuries affecting players due to report for international duty, and Chris Sutton yesterday linked up with the England squad despite a groin problem he sustained against the Dons.

Kevin Davies will lead the Rovers reserves' attack when they entertain Derby County reserves in the Pontins League Premier Division tonight (kick-off 7.00).

Squad: Fettis, Richardson, Brown, Scates, Broomes, Taylor, Corbett, Dunn, Burgess, Davies, Fitzpatrick, Murphy, Williams, Hamilton, McEvoy, D Dunning.

ROVERS academy sides enjoyed an excellent win double at Southampton on Saturday.

Gary Hamilton came off the bench to score twice as the under-19s won 3-2 with three late goals.

Hamilton scored either side of a Paul Forsyth effort, opening his account in the 75th minute and then netting again two minutes from time.

Rovers under-17s won 1-0 thanks to a Marc Richards effort.

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