MARLON Broomes, starting to fulfil his outstanding potential at Ewood, could yet save Blackburn Rovers a small fortune in the transfer market.

The young defender, who has had to play a waiting game as other starlets have passed him on the progress ladder, could also reap the rewards of his patience.

For, as manager Brian Kidd scours the transfer market, there is an obvious opportunity to fill the gap left by Colin Hendry's eve-of-season departure from within.

And the England under-21 defender aims to grab the chance after getting his first League start of the season in Saturday's dramatic win over Leeds United.

It has been a long haul to the top for the central defender, who celebrated his 21st birthday just a few weeks ago.

But now he has made the breakthrough, he wants to stay there.

Kidd gave Broomes the nod ahead of the experienced Darren Peacock, available again after suspension, in the side to face Leeds after the younger man had impressed in the FA Cup clash with Charlton and also as a substitute in recent League games.

"It's been nice to get a little run in the side," said Broomes who didn't shirk the responsibility given to him as a substitute for injured seniors in the vital holiday games against Aston Villa and Leicester.

"I just hope it continues. I've got my chance now and, hopefully, I can take it. "I have had to be patient, because I have seen players like Damien Duff, Damien Johnson and David Dunn all get their chance and they are younger than me.

"But I know that it can take a bit more time when you are a central defender. There is more responsibility in that position.

"You can't be making mistakes, whereas attacking players have more chance of getting away with them.

"In my position you have to concentrate a lot more.

"But I have confidence in my own ability and the only thing I have been waiting for is my chance.

"I've played in the first team before but I have also had injury problems at the worst possible time.

"Now I want to make the most of my chance."

Broomes has been at Ewood since leaving the FA National School at Lilleshall when he was 16.

Rated as one of the most talented young central defenders in the country, Broomes made good progress but struggled to break into the side.

He made his first Premiership start at Southampton last February and, all told, has now made three full appearances in the top flight to go with five as a substitute.

Broomes has also started two cup ties for the senior side but the best could yet be to come. Meanwhile, Tim Flowers came through his first competitive game since recovering from surgery on his shoulder injury when he played for the reserves at Leicester last night.

"Tim did very well and had no problems," reported coach Terry Darracott.

Winger Jim Corbett was also able to get another game under his belt as he makes his way back from a broken leg.

The youngster, signed from Gillingham in summer has already played a couple of games in the junior sides and seems to be making steady progress.

Ewood's undersoil heating helped the squad beat today's wintry blast, with Kidd taking training at the stadium instead of Brockhall.

"We were aware of the forecast, and the groundsman set up the heating so that the squad would have good conditions available to train as normal," said secretary Tom Finn.

As well as cut-price FA Cup tickets for the tie with Sunderland, Rovers have also put seats on sale for the Premiership game against Spurs at Ewood on Saturday, January 30 (kick-off 3pm).

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