TIM Flowers has had his transfer request turned down by Blackburn Rovers, with manager Brian Kidd the major influence on the decision.

Things can change quickly and Kidd knows Rovers cannot afford to lose the keeper with the relegation battle still to be won.

But Flowers has been told to stay and fight for his place which might disappoint several clubs, including Liverpool, alerted by his request.

Before secretary Tom Finn revealed the board's decision today, Kidd said: "Tim knows my feelings and I am sure the board will listen to them.

"There's no first and second string in my vocabulary."

Both John Filan, outstanding again as Rovers claimed their first away Premiership win of the season at Aston Villa, and Flowers have had to contend with losing their place through injury.

And Kidd added: "I can understand Tim's problem but I am looking for a bit of honesty and loyalty. You have seen John Filan and I have to give that back in return.

"It's competition for places and the players have responded."

While Flowers has also lost his spot in the England squad, there has been a surprise late call-up for Jason Wilcox.

Facing up to a three-match ban after the Villa game, Wilcox got just the lift he needed with a Saturday-night call from Howard Wilkinson.

Hit by injuries, the caretaker-boss made a personal call to Wilcox, despite the fact that he is under treatment for a bruised heel.

He linked up with the squad yesterday hoping he might add to his one previous full cap.

It was a day of 'firsts' at Villa Park and not only represented by the team's away success. Ashley Ward grabbed his first Rovers goal and so did David Dunn.

The young local lad missed out on the England under-21 squad for tomorrow's game against France but more than made up for that disappointment with a cracking strike.

And his performances promise a glittering future.

Kidd, meanwhile, was not getting carried away by Saturday's win over the title-chasers even though it meant Rovers have lost just once in 11 games since his appointment.

"It's still only three points no matter who you play," he said. "We are after consistency which means doing well against all the teams, at the top, in the middle or at the bottom.

"You need a slice of luck as well. Things have gone against us but we haven't belly-ached. I have always said it would even itself out.

"But the players know the job in hand, our feet are firmly on the ground. Every game from now to the end of the season is a big one. This is a great league and a tough league."

Kidd surprised some people with his choice of three strikers but he was delighted to welcome back Chris Sutton, even though he hadn't played for six weeks through a knee injury.

"Just his mere presence gives everybody a lift," said the manager.

"We have had players coming back and you have to make decisions with what you have available.

"There were options and the way Villa play was a factor. Whatever system you play has its strengths and weaknesses."

Footnote - the five-minute delay at the start was caused because referee Keith Burge was concerned there might be a colour clash between the socks worn by the two teams. Rovers had already changed to blue shorts to avoid a clash there. Villa considered a change of socks but, in the end, they decided to get on with it.

Rovers' under-17s made it a good day all-round by winning 4-0 at Villa in the morning's Academy game. An excellent performance was crowned by goals from Ben Burgess (2), Steve Foster and Ben Chamberlain.

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