ROY Hodgson is not about to jump into a £2 million transfer bid for Stoke City's teenage left back Andy Griffin, despite speculation in today's national newspapers, writes PETER WHITE.

In fact, the Blackburn Rovers boss confirmed today that there was no incoming transfer action pending at the moment.

That includes another name linked once again with the club - Rochdale's young keeper Stephen Bywater.

"We are not pursuing anything with any particular vehemence at the moment," said the Rovers boss.

"Naturally, we have been watching lots of players and he (Griffin) is just one of them.

"He is a young lad and one to keep an eye on.

"But we keep an eye on all the teams and players in the area.

"It should tell you something that I haven't seen him play myself." Stoke are looking to raise cash and have just made nine fringe first team players available for transfer.

They apparently accept they are going to lose the talented teenager, as they have already begun the search for a new left back.

Oxford United's Mike Ford was the subject of a recent inquiry by Stoke.

Griffin actually hails from these parts, having been born in Wigan, and he has come under scrutiny from the scouts of a number of top clubs.

He is in only his second year as a professional and will not be 19 until March.

But he made his full senior debut for Stoke in a game at Portsmouth in November 1996 and stayed in the team.

Although he plays left back for Stoke Griffin, in fact, is naturally right footed.

Rovers' position over the goalkeeper hasn't changed from last time the speculation cropped up. They are aware of Bywater and have shown an interest.

But they are not about to splash out a hefty sum, even though Rochdale would no doubt welcome a major cash investment.

Meanwhile, Hodgson will have to put several players through fitness tests tomorrow before being able to shape his squad for Sunday's televised game at Derby.

Strikers Chris Sutton (thigh) and Kevin Gallacher (back) will both need checking, as will Lars Bohinen (ribs).

Gary Croft will also attend the casualty parade but at least a scan has not shown anything seriously wrong with the back problem which kept him out of last Saturday's FA Cup tie.

"There was nothing we didn't already know about," said Hodgson.

"He has a slight problem with his back and has been aware of that for 20-odd years. It's something he has to live with.

"The physios believe the latest problem was brought about by playing two games so close together at Christmas on two totally different surfaces.

"But it should not prove a long-term problem."

Patrick Valery deputised for Croft in the win over Wigan Athletic and will no doubt continue to do so if the former Grimsby defender fails to recover in time for Sunday's first-ever trip to Derby's new stadium Pride Park.

There was also some good news for Hodgson in the shape of Martin Dahlin, who completed a full training session yesterday after recovering from an initial back injury, then a calf problem.

"It was a very physical session but he did very well," said the manager. "No doubt he is a little bit stiff and tired today but he came through it well."

Dahlin will probably need a couple of games before he can be considered for first team contention as he has been out so long.

He provides top-class cover for Sutton and Gallacher, who have made the first-choice striking positions their own so far.

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