ROY Hodgson has focused his search for new talent Down Under.

The new Blackburn Rovers boss has sent coach Derek Fazackerley to Australia to spy on two young Brisbane Strikers midfielders - Kasey Wehrman and Chay Hews.

The Strikers recently won the Australian National Premiership - the Ericsson Cup - and have a crop of young exciting talents.

Both are graduates of the Queensland Sporting Academy and played vital roles when Brisbane beat Sydney United in front of 40,000 fans last month.

Fazackerley has watched a video of that game when 20-year-old Hews was outstanding.

Wehrman is currently with the Young Socceroos squad in Malaysia for the World Youth Cup, along with current Rovers youngsters Marlon Broomes of England and the Republic of Ireland's Damien Duff, Thomas Morgan and Dave Worrell.

The 19-year-old was voted Australia's under-21 player of the year last season and is said to have the best celebratory cartwheels in the Ericsson Cup! Hodgson, due to take over at the start of July, is currently on holiday in the South of France but will be kept informed of every move in an increasingly frantic transfer market.

And another player to be linked with a move to Ewood Park is Middlesbrough's experienced goalkeeper Gary Walsh.

Walsh is desperate to get away from Middlesbrough and make a fresh start and would relish the opportunity to join Rovers.

Hodgson has made an experienced goalkeeper his number one priority following the departure of Shay Given to Newcastle United.

Caretaker manager Tony Parkes added: "Bringing in an experienced goalkeeper is high on our list.

"It is the most pressing matter at the club, probably more so than bringing outfield players in."

Walsh began his career at Manchester United where he made 30 appearances at Old Trafford before loan spells at Airdrie and Oldham before linking up with Middlesbrough.

Rovers, meanwhile, are closing their net on French defender Patrick Valery and Malmo playmaker Anders Andersson.

Rovers have offered Valery a one-year deal while transfer discussions are at an advanced stage with Andersson. Now both men appear likely to link up with Rovers before the start of pre-season training next month.

Because of the Bosman ruling, Andersson may become available in a cut price deal.

Malmo have the option of accepting an immediate but reduced fee of around £500,000 or waiting until the player's contract expired when he would be available for nothing.

Chairman Rob Coar confirmed: "Both deals are progressing well."

Rovers play Everton on March 14 at Goodison and not March 4 as stated yesterday.

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