TIM Flowers is working his way back to full fitness with a well-meant warning ringing loud and clear in his ears - calm down!

The advice comes from the Ewood staff, concerned at the way in which the Blackburn Rovers and England keeper does absolutely everything with 100 per cent commitment.

And it is aimed at ensuring that, once he does get back in action, Flowers stays fitter for longer.

The 31-year-old keeper, who readily admits he does not know how to take things easy, is currently battling back from a shoulder tendon injury which has kept him out of action since early November.

Initial prospects were that he could be back by the New Year and he has made good progress.

But Flowers, well known as one of professional football's most fanatical and fervent trainers, is reluctantly heeding the current advice - as best he can.

"The injury probably came about through wear and tear," he said. "Doing the same things day-in, day-out.

"So I've been told to calm down by the staff here, but I am hoping to be back before too long." Flowers has not yet played under manager Brian Kidd and, while both John Filan and Alan Fettis have proved very capable replacements during his absence, it will still be a boost to the new boss to have yet another international keeper at his disposal.

You cannot have much better competition for places in one position - the ideal that Kidd is aiming for - than three internationals battling it out for the first team jersey.

But the manager also echoed the "calm down" warning to Flowers, who has always been a man in a hurry.

"He's doing some light handling work at the moment but we don't want Tim to start playing again until he is ready," said Kidd. "We don't want to put pressure or demands on any player in that way. It wouldn't be right." It's fortunate that Rovers have such capable and experienced cover for Flowers, who will also be keen to put himself back in the frame for the international scene.

England have some crucial European Championship qualifying matches coming up in the next few months and other keepers such as Nigel Martyn, of Leeds, have stolen a march on the Ewood man with some excellent performances while he has been out of action.

But the recent crop of injuries have also brought it home to the Rovers manager how lightweight the team are for cover and competition in certain areas.

And that is why he will continue to look closely at the transfer market to make more new signings.

It would be a surprise if there was not more movement before too long.

Ewood youngster Luke Staton continues to interest Bolton Wanderers and the First Division club are considering taking over his contract to the end of the season.

That would give both player and club an opportunity to weigh things up with the possibility of an offer in summer.

Bolton boss Colin Todd has been quite impressed by the performances of Staton, a left-sided midfield player, in two reserve games for the club.

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