TEENAGE prodigy John Carew, a long-time transfer target for Blackburn Rovers, has decided to stay put in Norway, writes PETER WHITE.

His decision will also disappoint Newcastle United who, as we exclusively revealed recently, had also started to show an interest in the talented young striker, following Alan Irvine's move to Tyneside. The 17-year-old is to stay on at school at least for another year and will finish his education before deciding whether or not to move abroad. But he will still be stepping up a class in Norway, joining First Division club Vaalerenga from Second Division side Lorenskog.

Carew has been to Ewood twice this season.

He came over for trials and made an immediate impression by scoring a hat-trick for the A team.

Then the rangy striker played a game for the reserves at the start of the year and there is no doubt he has ability.

He was recommended to Rovers by stalwart Ewood defender Henning Berg who has no doubts about his potential but understands the youngster's reluctance to move overseas just yet.

"It's probably a little bit early for him, he is very young," explained Berg.

"But he has already played for the under-21 side which says a lot about him as he is still only 17.

"Vaalerenga have the potential to be one of the top Premier League clubs in Norway, so he is joining a big club, while carrying on at school." And Berg should know plenty about Vaalerenga, as they were his first Norwegian club before he later played for Lillestrom.

Last year they were in the Premier League and Berg also played for them in the top flight.

Rovers will continue to monitor Carew's progress in Norway and the youngster was certainly impressed by both the club and the facilties when he visited Blackburn with his family.

If a transfer situation was to develop in the future Rovers, hopefully, would have a head start on the rest.

Meanwhile, another young player, Rovers midfielder Steve Watkins, is out of tomorrow night's FA Youth Cup semi-final second leg against Crystal Palace.

Watkins, who scored a spectacular goal in the quarter finals against Norwich, suffered a knee injury in the first leg at Selhurst Park last week.

He has been counted out of tomorrow's bid to reach the final of this competition for the first time since Rovers last lifted the trophy in 1959.

It means another youngster will have to be promoted, with Watkins joining regular left back Ben Brewer (ankle ligaments) on the sidelines.

Without a natural replacement at left back, Rovers turned to Leam Richardson to fill the gap last week and could include Lee Fitzpatrick for Watkins as they attempt to retrieve a 2-1 deficit.

There should be a good crowd at Ewood tomorrow when the Jack Walker Stand will be open. It's all pay at the turnstiles with a standard £3 admission charge. Kick-off has been put back 30 minutes from the normal time to 7-30pm to allow fans wanting to attend a little extra time to get to the game.

As we revelaed in later editions yesterday Jason Wilcox will be fined for the gesture he made to Blackburn fans during the game against Manchester United on Saturday.

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