BLACKBURN Rovers' five-week search for a successor to Ray Harford could be significantly closer to a conclusion - with Sampdoria coach Sven Goran Eriksson still the name at the top of the hit-list, writes Peter White.

I understand from excellent sources that there are high hopes of progress in the very near future, despite Eriksson stressing that he is a loyal man and would not walk out on Sampdoria.

The Swede, who speaks excellent English, might not have to do that.

Rovers have a stable and capable backroom staff in place and a delay in the new manager taking charge doesn't seem to have done Arsenal any harm with Arsene Wenger.

For he was still able to tell his new club what to do in the transfer market, even though he was thousands of miles away in Japan.

There is also the possibility that, if Rovers can tempt Eriksson to accept the job, Sampdoria might not stand in his way in view of the outstanding service he has given them. Tony Parkes has done his usual first-rate job as "caretaker" and it might well go on for some time.

But an appointment, even if it has to be a "manager-in-waiting" would help end the natural uncertainty which still exists. Eriksson has a top-class reputation and has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, such as Ruud Gullit.

He is in his fifth year with Sampdoria - a long time with one club by anyone's standards, and especially in the demanding sphere of Serie A.

The coach's first major club was Gothenburg, and he has been in charge of Portuguese giants Benfica, as well as two other leading Italian clubs, Roma and Fiorentina.

His appointment would be quite a coup if Rovers could pull it off, as Eriksson seems to fulfil all the criteria.

With signs that Rovers are capable of climbing out of their present predicament, the job also starts to look a more attractive proposition.

In that respect, Saturday's win over Southampton was crucial.

Skipper Tim Sherwood summed up the mood of optimism when he said: "With the quality of players we have got and the commitment we are showing, there's no reason why we can't be out of it before Christmas. "I don't think the lads are trying any harder than when Ray was here, it's just that we are getting the breaks, like scoring at the right times against Liverpool.

"We could have been out of sight in the first half on Saturday, but you can't afford to miss chances. If you do, you start nailbiting at the end."

Sherwood agreed that Saints defender Ulrich Van Gobbel was unlucky to be sent off.

"I didn't see the lad do anything wrong. It's unfortunate for him but it did us a favour when we needed it," he added. Until a new boss is named there is not going to be any major transfer activity, in or out, despite continuing speculation over Shay Given's future. As we revealed some weeks ago, Rovers have a big problem over Given, who needs first team football to safeguard his international future with the Republic of Ireland.

The talented young keeper stressed at the time that he is happy at Ewood but he has not signed a new contract, because he feels he must play first team football. Sunderland remain interested, knowing that Given's present contract runs out in summer. But they are also aware of Rovers' general unwillingness to part and the fact that there cannot be any dealings until the managerial position is sorted.

Goals from Craig Chisholm and Tony Whealing failed to save Rovers A from a 3-2 defeat by Crewe. The B team drew 1-1 with Rochdale, Martin Rimmer on target.

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