MOKOENA HINTS AT EXIT
Aaron Mokoena has hinted he could leave Blackburn in order to get more playing time and maintain his position as South Africa skipper. The powerful midfielder, whose nickname is ‘The Axe’, has only featured in four games for Rovers this season under boss Paul Ince and is concerned that his lack of playing time will ultimately affect his place in the South African set up in the lead up to the Confederations Cup and then the World Cup in 2010.
Therefore Mokoena says a January transfer window departure might be on the cards to rectify the situation and he admitted several clubs are showing an interest in signing him. He told the South Africa’s Football 365: “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.” 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.”
TRANSFER RUMOURS
According to reports, Blackburn Rovers are set to sign Tromso’s Tore Reginiussen in the coming January transfer window. Birmingham City have also been strongly linked with the player, however Rovers are confident that the 22-year old will arrive at Ewood Park in the new year. Rovers might have to shell out around £2million for the Norwegian who still has a year left on his contract with Tromso .
Tromso’s director, Tom Bendiksen, said: “We are going to arrange the possibility for a transfer for Tore, and it might as well be to Blackburn. We have a nice and positive relationship to that club.” Director of football Morten Kaemer, added: “We are pleased that Tromso Football club have players who are considered attractive to big, European clubs.”
Meanwhile, manager Paul Ince is considering a January swoop for Red Bull Salzburg’s Marc Janko. Ince had Janko watched at the weekend, according to the Daily Mirror, and the giant striker impressed with a hat-trick in his side’s 4-1 win over Austria Karnten. The 25-year-old has helped Salzburg hit the top of the table and also leads the scoring charts. Ewood Park striker Roque Santa Cruz has been linked with a host of clubs and Ince is already looking at Janko as a potential replacement.
ROBBO GETS ENGLAND CALL
Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been handed a late call-up to the England squad for the friendly against Germany, following Joe Hart’s withdrawal due to injury. Hart sustained an ankle injury in Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Hull City on Sunday, leaving the way clear for Robinson to return to the international fold. The 29-year-old has won more than 40 caps for his country, but has not featured since a 2-1 European Championship qualifying defeat in Russia in October last year.
Rovers boss Paul Ince had recently called for Robinson to be given another chance for England, saying: “I know David James has got the shirt at the moment, but I just think that since Robbo has come into the club, he has been absolutely outstanding. I think he is the best goalkeeper in the league, but I still think he can get better. He had a lack of confidence at Tottenham due to not playing and he wanted a fresh start. He’s got his head screwed on, he’s really focused on his job and you can see that in his performances.”
ROVERS 1 SUNDERLAND 2
Blackburn Rovers suffered yet another home defeat as second-half strikes from Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse enabled Sunderland to overturn Christopher Samba’s first-half header and avenge their League Cup defeat by Rovers in midweek. The defeat also meant that Rovers has slipped into the relegation zone about Tottenham Hotspurs and West Bromwich Albion.
Rovers dominated the first half and create numerous chances. Stephen Warnock, Zurab Khizanishvili, Roque Santa Cruz all spun chances to give Rovers the lead. Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop did well to palm away a superb 25-yard free-kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen. However, Rovers did took the lead eventually at the end of the first half when Samba connected with a Pedersen corner.
In the second half, Keane’s half-time pep talk appeared to invigorate Sunderland. Four minutes into the second half, Jones equalized with a deft overhead finish after a corner by Richardson. In the 71st minute, Sunderland took the lead when Steed Malbranque’s cushioned header sent Cisse into a one-on-one with Robinson. The striker’s pace resolved the contest in his favour and a deft chip carried the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net.
Aaron Mokoena had the chance to equalize for Rovers three minutes from time but his well-struck drive was blocked to leave Rovers perilously close to the drop zone.
ROVERS GET UNITED IN CARLING CUP
Blackburn Rovers have been drawn away to Manchester United in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Rovers earned their place in the last eight after a 2-1 win at Sunderland in midweek. Quarter-final ties will take place on December 2 and 3.
Rovers’ match is likely to be held on Wednesday, December 3, because they are in Premier League action at Portsmouth on November 30. However, that cup date is yet to be confirmed. Manchester United have progressed to the quarter finals with home wins against Middlesbrough and QPR, achieved with largely youthful line-ups.
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