DAMIEN Duff might well run across a familiar face when he goes to Nigeria with the Republic of Ireland under-20 squad on Monday week - Roy Tunks.

For Ewood's goalkeeping coach has been appointed to the England squad in a similar capacity for the World Youth Championships.

Tunks, who has worked with the keepers of England youth teams for some time, has had to undergo a similar course of injections to Duff in preparation for the trip to Nigeria.

And this afternoon's game against Wimbledon was his last in the dugout before flying to Africa.

He will stay with the squad while they remain in the tournament, working with the keepers.

Chris Ramsey, the former Brighton player, has been named coach to the squad for the under-20 tournament and he becomes the first black manager of an England side.

Players such as David Dunn and Martin Taylor might well have been in the reckoning but England, taking note of clubs' feelings, declined to select youngsters who were recognised as first team players.

TICKETS are now on open sale for the Easter Saturday (April 3) home game against Middlesbrough (kick-off 3pm).

Category B prices apply, adults £18-25, concessions where applicable £10. Middlesbrough have been allocated the Jack Walker Stand side of the Darwen End.

Subject to availability, seats will be on sale up to kick-off time.

DAVID Worrell, who has still to play for Rovers at senior level is set for yet another appearance with the Republic of Ireland under-21 side when they play Macedonia in Skopje next Friday.

Also included in the under-21 squad is ex-Rover Thomas Morgan, who now plays back home in Ireland for St Patrick's Athletic.

SEATS for the Easter Tuesday (April 6) game against Arsenal at Highbury (7.45pm) are now on open sale, priced £16 no concessions.

It is an all-ticket match and they will not be available on the day of the game at Highbury.

Rovers' seats are in the Clock Stand behind one of the goals.

LATEST Double Your Money Club £500 winner is R Heslop (Darwen), number 942A.

THE outstanding Rovers Return winning ticket from the Everton game has now been claimed. Winner was B R Maybin (Blackburn), number139295.

THE Academy teams are at home next Saturday, with Newcastle the visitors. Both under-17s and under-19s kick off at 12 noon at Brockhall.

EWOOD Blues Independent Supporters' Group are running coach travel to the game at Arsenal on Tuesday, April 6. Cost is £16 and departure time is 1pm from the Aqueduct car park. For bookings or more information call 01254-53182

ROVERS Reserves have two Pontin's League Premier Division games next week. On Monday, they entertain Derby County at Ewood (7pm) and, on Thursday visit Anfield to take on Liverpool (7pm).

MEET the keepers night, organised by the Supporters' Association, is back on next Tuesday night in the Centenary Suite at Ewood (7.30pm for 8pm).

Tickets for the original date are still valid and they can also be bought in advanace, members £2, non-members £3.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.