GRAEME Le Saux looks set to get the vote from Blackburn Rovers boss Roy Hodgson for Saturday's Premiership opener against Derby County - unless there is a dramatic burst of transfer activity on the eve of the new season, writes PETER WHITE.

And, even though Rovers have been strongly linked with Everton's England left back Andy Hinchcliffe, as well as Coventry's David Burrows, it is most unlikely there will be any developments on either of those fronts in the near future.

Le Saux played for Rovers at Sheffield United yesterday and, providing he gives full commitment to the cause, Hodgson will go with the best man for the job.

The manager seemed satisfied with the want-away star's efforts at Bramall Lane, saying: "He did well. He produced some excellent crosses and his commitment was there.

"So there was no reason to have any doubts about his performance or his desire to do well for the team.

"The situation has never changed. Until he becomes somebody else's player, he will be a Blackburn player."

Some Rovers fans booed Le Saux yesterday but Hodgson clearly doesn't think that will affect the player who, in any case, needs to do well for the club in order to protect his England place.

Hinchcliffe is currently sidelined with a thigh strain, after recovering from cruciate ligament surgery. He has had less than half an hour's match action since December, though Howard Kendall might be looking to sell him for a second tiume when he's fit, as Terry Phelan is first choice at the moment.

Burrows signed a new three-year contract last week and is settled in the Midlands.

Rovers again missed their way in front of goal yesterday and Hodgson expressed concern that new striker Martin Dahlin has not had enough opportunity to get match fit. "That was Dahlin's first game since he played against Hvidovre and one and a half matches in five weeks is not enough," he said.

But Rovers could have several players involved against Derby who have not had their quota of pre-season action, because of injuries.

Tickets for the Premiership game against Liverpool on Saturday, August 23, went on sale today. It is a category A game with prices ranging from £19 to £23 and concessions at £10.

As well as buying tickets at Ewood for Saturday's opener against Derby, Rovers fans can also obtain Darwen End seats for the first game at RoverStore Two in Ainsworth Mall.

Away travel bookings are being taken at Ewood for the trip to Aston Villa, with a family coach also operating.

Graham Fenton's £1 million move to West Brom could be delayed until later in the week because his agent is unavailable to talk personal terms.

Previous sport story

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