BLACKBURN Rovers' reserve team will play in the new-look Pontin's League Premier Division after all next season, after being given a late reprieve.

And the news was welcomed at Ewood, where manager Ray Harford will be delighted that the second team will still be playing at the highest available level.

Rovers got their reprieve following Newcastle United's shock resignation from the Pontin's League.

They had finished 14th in the top section of three last season.

Summer re-organisation meant that the top 13 were to form a new slimmed-down Premier Division of four and Rovers were demoted to the new Division One at the annual meeting.

But stricter application of the ground sharing rules seems to have led to Newcastle pulling out.

I understand they wanted to continue to play all their reserve team games at Gateshead but, next season, a percentage of Pontin's League matches must be staged on your own ground.

Rovers, as the "top team" not in the new Premier were notified last night that they will be promoted and will take over Newcastle's fixtures. Rovers are not yet sure which, if any, alternative venue they will use.

But there are now bound to be some reserve games at Ewood again and that is good news for the fans.

Coach Tony Parkes said today: "The important thing is that the standard will be the best available. That's what we want and the players want."

Rovers' under-16 side take on Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup tonight.

They qualified for the knockout with a 100 per cent group record after beating Shimizu (Japan) 3-0 with goals from James Featherstone (2) and John Harding. Last night Featherstone scored a last minute quarter-final goal to beat the Chile national side 2-1. Peter Murphy got the other goal. The under-14s had a quarter-final date with West Ham today after beating Stella Maris (Rep of Ireland) 4-1. Steve Foster (2), Kevan Ford and Gary Moore were the scorers as they maintained a 100 per cent record.

Kenny Dalglish's son Paul, 20, is to sign for Liverpool and could be included in the squad for next Monday's friendly at Accrington Stanley.

Liverpool boss Roy Evans said: "Paul left Celtic because he wanted to be nearer home."

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