DESPERATE George Donis asked Blackburn Rovers today - Do you really want me?

The Greek international star has become increasingly frustrated at having to sit on the sidelines while Rovers have been battling to climb out of relegation trouble, writes PETER WHITE.

And he is clearly reaching breaking point at the lack of any positive signs that he will be able to reclaim a regular first team place as the season heads for a nerve-jangling climax.

Donis stressed that he is happy with every aspect of his close-season move from Athens - except for the all-important fact that he is not in the team.

He said today: "If the team doesn't need me, then tell me.

"I never imagined when Tony Parkes took over as caretaker-manager that things would go so badly for me.

"It is no good to me to be playing a few minutes here and a few minutes there.

"I have not had a real chance to win back my position in the first team.

"I like it here, I do not have any problems with the other players and everyone has been lovely to me.

"But I want to play football and believe I can play in the team." Donis began the season, following his free-transfer move from Panathinaikos, by starting the first 11 matches.

Following Ray Harford's resignation, he was in the line-up for Parkes' first game in charge at West Ham on October 26 but has only started one senior game since then - against Sunderland on March 1, when he was hurt in the first half and had to be substituted. The winger has had a couple of injury problems, not serious, which have affected his availability for a few games. But, on most occasions, he has been among the substitutes. His international career has not, so far, been affected by his lack of senior action but he is desperate to get back into the side.

The logical conclusion, if it doesn't happen, is that Donis could well be looking for a move and there would not be any shortage of interest.

I understand there are Spanish clubs keeping a watching brief on his situation at Ewood.

Donis played for the reserves last night and is likely to be in the senior squad to face Manchester United on Saturday.

But whether he makes the team is another matter.

Rovers will now entertain Middlesbrough on Thursday May 8 (kick-off 7.45pm).

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