PIERRE van Hooydonk came under scrutiny from Blackburn Rovers again at the weekend.

The Celtic striker was watched by a representative from Ewood, as he scored one of the goals in a 4-0 win over Hibernian in Edinburgh.

And it is not the first time that Rovers have shown interest in the powerful Dutch international.

Rovers' problem at the moment is that it's difficult to envisage them doing serious transfer business until they appoint a new manager.

Celtic are known to be keen on Scottish international midfielder Billy McKinlay, who turned down the chance to go to Parkhead, joining Rovers instead.

McKinlay had talks about his future recently with Ray Harford, as he was out of the side and concerned about his international prospects. But he made a welcome return to the team at West Ham on Saturday and caretaker-boss Tony Parkes said: "Billy has shown great patience.

"He wants to play for Blackburn Rovers and, if he performs as he did on Saturday, there is a place for him."

There have been suggestions of a possible part-exchange deal. That might be more realistic if Rovers had a manager in place.

It's a similar story with Nicky Barmby.

Middlesbrough now seem ready to sell but other clubs are also interested in the England international.

I understand a £5 million bid was put in from Ewood, while Ray Harford was in charge.

Boro turned that down and Rovers' present position, marooned at the bottom of the table, combined with uncertainty over who is to be the next manager, complicates matters even further.

It certainly can't help them to bring in new players.

Kevin Gallacher joined the absentee list at West Ham, after feeling ill on Saturday morning. But both he and Chris Sutton should be fit again for weekend.

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