WANTED: A couple of mega signings, not only to bolster an injury-savaged squad, but to lift the spirits of Blackburn Rovers supporters.

For one reason and another, Rovers are on course to finish the current season in the Premiership's version of no man's land.

Injuries meaning the long-term loss of virtually half a team, abysmal away form and a stumbling start to the season all combined to produce anti-climax.

A pre-transfer deadline influx of major new talent could still serve to inspire the club to chase a potential UEFA Cup place right to the wire.

And it would certainly perk up the fans.

Most of them acknowledge the fact that the crippling Ewood casualty list has been a crucial factor behind the season's mid-table meanderings.

But, aware of Rovers' new-found stature, they also - understandably - want to see the major signings that go with it.

Trevor Sinclair is the name most frequently touted as being high on Rovers' list of preferred targets.

I am sure he is - along with several others.

Manchester City's midfield ace Garry Flitcroft could well be another.

I also believe Rovers WILL make a couple of serious moves into the market.

It's the timing that is in doubt.

The transfer deadline, this season, is a little later than usual, not until March 28.

And, with virtually every club in the top flight involved either in a battle against relegation or the scrap to finish high enough to qualify for Europe - especially if UEFA broaden the horizons later this month - there is a general reluctance to sell. It could be that Rovers will have to wait a little longer, past the deadline, to secure the right men. If that is the case it is important they do not leave it too long.

As champions, the club sold almost 20,000 season tickets last summer, record takings and a huge increase even on the previous year's outstanding totals.

To have any chance at all of approaching that figure again this year, the side must be significantly strengthened with the sort of signings that will make people sit up and take notice.

There's nothing wrong with bringing in players - as has been done - who will still add depth to the squad once some of the long-term absentees are back in action.

For we saw the penalties of a lack of depth during the first half of the season.

But to maintain a challenge at the top and compete with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, Rovers need more - for want of a better word - "stars".

Ideally, they could do with them now.

But, at worst, the fans will be looking to see what transfer action develops before committing their hard-earned cash to the purchase of season tickets.

It's not going to be easy. For, with such a shortage of genuine and AVAILABLE talent, the competition is fierce.

Rovers, however, must make sure they are at the front of the queue when the likes of Queens Park Rangers finally bow to the inevitable and accept that they have to part with Sinclair.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.