SOUTH African skipper Aaron Mokoena admits he could be set for an Ewood Park exit after being left on the periphery of Rovers’ Premier League start.

The robust midfielder has only made three Premier League starts so far this campaign, and one substitute appearance, and fears a January switch is needed to keep alive his international aspirations.

With the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa, the 27-year-old believes first-team football is necessary in the run-up to the competition, and reveals talks have already started with a host of other clubs.

He said: “To be fair, there are quite a few talks with a few clubs so I am hoping to have games come January either with Blackburn or any team that is interested.

“Actually I would love to see myself playing towards the Confederations (Cup) at club level and obviously towards the World Cup at club level.”

Mokoena, nicknamed The Axe, has actually started Rovers’ last two matches due to an injury crisis at Ewood Park but knows first-team chances are still few and far between.

He admits he finds himself in a difficult position at Blackburn, but believes his failure to nail down a place in the starting line-up has not harmed his performances for the national team - so far.

He added: “I always want to play and this is a situation that you know it can happen to any footballer. Unfortunately at the moment I am the one in the situation, but I have been playing for the national team and I think I have been having quite good games.”

Mokoena is out of contract this summer and Rovers could be tempted to part with the midfielder for a fee in January, rather than let him go for nothing at the end of the campaign.