Cardiff beat Manfield 1-0 last night, to go second in the league, thanks to Rovers on loan midfielder Alan Mahon, who gave Mansfield a torrid time as they couldnt cope with his penetrating runs down the wing. Swansea welcomes back on Rovers loan striker Marc Richards for their game today against Kidderminster, after his three-match ban following his red card in the 4-0 defeat by Mike Newells Hartlepool. Former Rovers Braveheart, Colin Hendry will miss Blackpools game against Stockport today due to suspension, he may also have to return to Bolton Wanderers if an agreement cannot be reached regarding his on loan contract between the two clubs. New Leeds boss Peter Reid has suggested that a recall to the first team squad may be imminent for former Rovers midfielder, David Batty, who had been left out in the cold during Terry Venerables reign. Former Rover youngster Jonathan Walters, has had his loan period between Bolton and Hull extended until the end of the season. In five games since joining Hull on loan at the end of February he has scored three goals

Rovers go into tomorrows away game against Newcastle looking for their fifth consecutive win, just 3 points and 1 place off 6th place in the league, which would at the end of the season give them a qualifying position for Europe. With regards to Europe, it would appear that Souness's stance against the UEFA Cup is softening, for in an interview for the official web site, it is being reported that should Rovers get the required points to qualify for Europe he will celebrate as much as anyone else. http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/today....00.html For once this season Souness will be spoilt for choice, in midfield and up front although he still has a selection problem in defence due to the continued absense of Lucas Neill. David Dunn who missed last weeks win against Arsenal due to injury is back in Souness's squad, as is Andy Cole after the he and Souness patched things up following their training ground bust-up last week. Damian Duff having had no adverse reaction following his return from injury against Arsenal last week retains his place, which would see him making it 150 league starts for the club, however Rovers will still be without the suspended Lucas Neill and long term injury victim David Thompson. Rovers Squad: Friedel, Kelly, Taylor, Berg, Gresko, Short, Todd, Johansson, Tugay, Flitcroft, Duff, Gillespie, Hakan Sukur, Grabbi, Cole, Dunn, Yorke. Newcastle Squad: Given, Harper, Hughes, Griffin, Bernard, Woodgate, O'Brien, Bramble, Caldwell, Speed, Robert, Dyer, Solano, Jenas, Viana, Kerr, Shearer, Bellamy, Ameobi, LuaLua. Referee. Neale Barry, who has issued 3 red cards and 56 yellow cards in 16 games so far this season. Turkish Delight Tugay and Hakan Sukar have both been named in Turkey's squad to face England in the European qualifier against England at the Stadium of Light. Due to injuries this is the first time that Sukar has been named in the Turkish Squad since the World Cup.

Numerous web sites are indicating that Souness is keen to sign Gresko on a permanent deal in the summer. The majority of sites reviewed are crediting the story to the Lancashire Eveninging Telegraph although there is no link being published. Gresko currently on loan with the Rovers from Palma, was recommended to Souness by Hakan Sukar, who Souness is reported to be keen on also signing this summer. Meanwhile Souness is playing down an incident on Friday morning when he and striker Andy Cole didn't see eye to eye. Speaking after the victory over Arsenal on Saturday Souness said: "Andy and I had a tiff but I am sure it will be resolved

Rovers 2 Arsenal 0 Goals in each half gave Rovers a well deserved win against the reigning Premier League Champions Arsenal this afternoon at Ewood Park. With both teams fielding reshuffled defences due to suspensions and injuries, Rovers made changes to the midfield and forward line that had beaten Manchester City two weeks ago. Whilst Yorke replaced Cole as Hakan Sukars partner up front, the midfield welcomed back Damian Duff on the left and Gillespie replaced the injured Dunn on the right, to give Rovers a two pronged wing attack. Neither team settled for the first 10 to 15 minutes, with no evident pattern of play from either team, however Rovers where the first to gain control, in not allowing Arsenal to settle, the Rovers battled to win every ball, preventing the London club from getting in to their normal passing game. With David Seaman, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole out through injury, Arsenal lost Martin Keown with a leg injury midway through the first half. After a hectic period in the Arsenal goalmouth, Duff celebrated his return from injury with a 22minute goal. After miss hitting his first attempt, the Arsenal defence failed to clear but when Tugay's strike was blocked Duff made no mistake volleying wide of the keeper. As the game progressed Rovers gained midfield control, with Gillespie and Duff giving the reshuffled Arsenal defence problems, and Flitcroft and Tugay chasing and battling for every ball. Although Arsenal made a number of attacking moves, the Rovers defence, in particular Berg and Short were resolute in preventing them from scoring, and when Arsenal did manage to break through, they found Friedel once again in top form. On 52 minutes Rovers sealed the points when Duff fed the ball through to Tugay, who fired a low shot in to the corner of the net, leaving the Arsenal keeper stranded. With 18 minutes remaining Souness made a change to the strike force taking off Yorke to give local 17 year old Paul Gallagher his premier league debut. Although Hakan Sukar won the Peter Jackson man of the match award, this was a team performance, each player deserving credit for a solid professional performance, defending from the front. Blackburn: Friedel, Taylor, Berg, Short, Gresko, Gillespie, Flitcroft, Tugay, Duff (Johansson 69), Sukur, Yorke (Gallagher 78). Subs Not Used: Grabbi, Douglas, Kelly. Scorers : Duff (22), Tugay(52) Booked: Duff, Tugay, Flitcroft, Sukur. Arsenal: Taylor, Lauren, Keown (Silva 18), Cygan, van Bronckhorst, Pires (Wiltord 69), Parlour, Edu (Jeffers 69), Ljungberg, Bergkamp, Henry. Subs Not Used: Toure, Warmuz. Booked: Parlour, van Bronckhorst. Attendance: 29,840 Referee: S Bennett

After early Comic Relief last weekend in the shape of Burnleys hilarious display at Watford in the cup, Rovers fans are entertained this weekend by the Premier League Champions Arsenal at Ewood Park tomorrow. In front of an anticipated full house Rovers welcome back Irish International Damien Duff, however midfielder David Dunn has failed to recovered from a hamstring injury in time to be included in Graeme Souness's 17 man squad. Craig Short and Gresko who missed the Manchester City game have recovered from injuries and are available for selection in a defence depleated by the suspension of Lucas Neill. Hakan Sukur, who collected a knock in the Kanu charity game last week at the Reebok Stadium has also fully recovered and will be challenging Yorke and Cole for a start up front. Rovers squad. Friedel, Kelly, Berg, Taylor, Short, Johansson, Gresko, Douglas, Gillespie, Grabbi, Duff, Sukur, Cole, Yorke, Flitcroft, Tugay, McEveley. Arsene Wenger has also named a squad of 17 players with goalkeeper David Seaman missing a game that would have been his 1,000th senior appearance because of a hamstring injury. Also missing for Arsenal due to injuries will be Patrick Vieira (knee) and Sol Campbell (Achilles) Arsenal squad. Taylor, Lauren, Keown, Cygan, van Bronckhorst, Parlour, Gilberto, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, Jeffers, Wiltord, Edu, Kanu, Ljungberg, Toure, Warmuz. Referee. Steve Bennett, who in 15 Premier games this season has issued 2 red cards and 54 yellow cards.

Ticket details have been released by the club regarding Simon Garners testimonial to be played on Sunday 18 May 2003, kick off 4pm. Tickets go on sale Monday 17th March, and season ticket holders have untill the 10th April to claim their own seats. Prices. Adults £12 Juniors/Senior Citizens £6 Young Adult Season ticket holders £6 Link. http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/match....00.html

Alan Kelly Radio Lancashire are reporting that Rovers reserve keeper, Alan Kelly has agreed in principal to extend his contract for a further 12 months and hopefully contract details will be finalised within the next few days. Garry Flitcroft Reports indicate that an extension to the midfielders contract has yet to be agreed, as Flitcroft wants more than the 12 months allegedly offered by the club. An article in thisislancashire suggests that he may be a target for Aston Villa in the summer. Link. http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/lancashire/rovers/sport/ROVERS2.html Keith Gillespie Reports on a number of media sites suggest, no contract extension has to date been offered to the winger, whose contract expires this summer.

Treatment Room The official Rovers site is reporting that David Thompsons injury is worse than expected, with some indications being that Thommo could be out for the rest of the season, to allow him to recover fully. Meanwhile midfielders Duff and Dunn should be fit and available for selection against Arsenal on Saturday. An interview with Souness is currently being displayed on the official site Rovers World, which is still giving a free trial untill the 15 March. Link http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/today....00.html Craig Short is also reported fit, which is a blessing bearing in mind that Souness will have to shuffle the defence due to Lucas Neill being suspended. Transfer Gossip Although the transfer window is closed there is still press transfer speculation, the latest linking Souness with Notts County reserve goalkeeper Saul Deeny. It has been reported on various media sites that the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland U21 has already had a trail at Rovers and could join at the end of the season. Ticket Office The official site ticket office are reporting that all 1400 tickets for Newcastle have been sold, and that Saturdays game against Arsenal could be a sell out. The ticket office have also announced that tickets for Fulham away will go on sale to season ticket holders from Monday 17 March. Link http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/match....00.html

Stig Inge Bjornebye has announced his retirement. He has decided to hang up his boots on medical advice following a training-ground accident last April when he suffered a fractured eye socket. There is a full report on the official web site, in which he states that its not possible to continue playing and he praises Rovers for their support. Stig is quoted as saying. "I don't think there's a football club in the world that could have been as supportive as Blackburn Rovers have been. On behalf of all supporters may I wish him all the best for the future. Link to official site report. http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/today....00.html

Newcastle Transfer Rovers have dismissed suggestions in the weekend papers relating transfer bids from Newcastle for David Dunn and Lucas Neill. Speaking to thisislancashire Souness is reported to have said "It's absolute nonsense, A year ago David's agent was trying to tout him around various clubs and I got a call from Gordon Milne, Newcastle's director of football, to say that they weren't interested in David and as far as I know that is still the case. With regards to Lucas Neill, Souness is reported to have said. "It wouldn't surprise me if there was interest in Lucas Neill because he's done very well for us, So I wouldn't blame anyone for fancying a move for him but he's one that I wouldn't want to let go." To read the full thisislancashire article please go to http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/lancashire/sport/LETTOPSPORT1.html Treatment Room There is a question mark on whether Dunn will be fit to play against Arsenal, as he has had further hamstring problems in training. On the bright side Damian Duff and Craig Short have recovered from their injuries and should be available for selection against Arsenal on Saturday. Hakan Sukar Boltons Sam Allardyce is reported to be interested in signing Hakan Sukur in the summer if Wanderers manage to beat the drop. However Souness remains confident of signing the Turkish international, subject to his performances between now and the end of the season. Matt Jansen Rovers on loan striker Matt Jansen missed Coventry's 2-2 draw with Wimbledon on Saturday at Highfield Road, due to a stomach bug

There are many superstitions and coincidences in football especially regarding the FA Cup. Arsenal have never lost in the cup when Campbell has played, Chelsea are on a 3 year cycle for winning the cup 1994, 1997, 2000. 2003? So why should we sleep feeling safe tonight ? If we were looking at superstitions and coincidences then we should remember that the last time Burnley won the cup was in 1914, the same year as the great war started. With the current world situation we should all be grateful to Watford for beating Burnley 2-0 today at Vicarage Road. In a game that clearly illustrated the difference in class between the Premiership and the First Division, Watford won the battle of long high balls, with goals from from Tommy Smith and Stephen Glass in the last 20 minutes. In case you havent heard. Watford 2. Burnley 0

Sunderland U19 0 Rovers U19 4 Rovers U19 had a convincing away win over Sunderland U19 yesterday. Rovers went ahead after six minutes through Jermal Johnson, then midfielder Ian Black added a second for Rovers direct from a free kick just before half time. Defender John Fitzgerald rose unchallenged on the hour to put Rovers 3 up with a header from a corner, and winger Peter Corvino wrapped it up for Rovers with a fourth one minute from time. Meanwhile youth team striker Paul Gallagher reputation is growing, scoring two goals for the reserves at Villa Park on Friday night. A hat-trick being denied when Villa keeper saved a penalty taken by Gallagher. So far this season he has scored 20 league and cup goals for the youth team. Rovers reserve team manager Alan Murray is quoted in the media as saying that Gallagher is training with the first team and impressing the manager. Whilst Souness stated on the official site that Gallagher could make his first team debut before the end of the season.

Match Report by Flopsy. Rovers lined up with only Tiny as a first team regular - Danns and Douglas were the only other players with premiership experience. Villa had Alpay and Crouch as well as Kachul. The Ref was Dorr, and was utter tosh, carding for the most innocuous fouls, blowing for nothing and letting nasty fouls go, bloody awful imo. Villa scored first with a decent right foot volley from the left of the box after bloody awful defending from Rovers. Gallagher then scored from a penalty area ping pong after a corner. Then a glorious run from the right wing with the villa defence parting like the red sea in front of moses, led to a beautiful curling shot into the top left hand corner of the villa goal. Seriously if you get to see the highlights its glorious. Villa then equalised again with bloody awful defending from Rovers. 2nd half, started with villa on top, then Rovers, led by Danns in midfield managed to get more and more possesion and creat some chances. Danns then had a run from the half way line, jinxed past 3 players then struck from just outside the area, another quality goal. The left winger was then brought down in the villa area by 3 villa players and a penalty given. Gallagher stepped up and Postma saved but pushed the ball out to Douglas who side footed home. Then Watts put a ball accross into the 6 yard box and was turned into his own net by a villa defender. Tiny then hit the bar from a corner, and villa huffed and puffed but only had one more shot on target. All in all after a godawful first half, only improved by Gallaghers second goal, the second half was very good, with Rovers on top, Tiny a collosus, Greer outstanding, Pelzer was good, but McKeveley's better, Gallagher was a threat and Danns was brilliant in midfield. Rovers future is looking very bright. Especially as Villa's reserves are top of the league. Oh Alpay didnt look 50quid let alone 5 million. Oh I think i was the only rovers fan there out of 200-300 villa fans.

Rovers reserves beat Villa reserves at Villa Park tonight 5-2. After villa had taken the lead through Kachloul, Rovers hit back with 2 goals from Gallagher. However no sooner than Villa leveled the score through de la Cruz to make it 2-2, Danns put Rovers in to the lead again to make 3-2, before Douglas then made it 4-2, after the Villa keeper had saved a Gallagher penalty. Shortly after Douglas's goal, Villa conceded an own goal through Jackson to make it 5-2 in Rovers favour.

Rovers winger Damian Duff is set to play his first competitive match since been injured against Manchester United in the second leg of the Worthington Cup semi final at Ewood Park on the 22 January. Duff has been included in the reserve squad to play Villa reserves tomorrow night at Villa Park, and should he have no reaction after the game, there is a good chance he will be available for Rovers next premier league game against Arsenal at Ewood Park on Saturday the 15 March. Duff's return to fitness will also be a major boost to the Republic of Ireland coach Brian Kerr as he prepares to face Georgia in a World Cup qualifier later this month. Further good news on the injury front is that, Craig Short and Dwight Yorke should also be available for the Arsenal next week. On the down side Thompson and Ostenstad will not have recovered from their respective injuries in time for the Arsenal game, whilst Lucas Niell will not be available due to suspension.

A young Rovers reserves team lacking experienced first team squad players were beated 2-0 by Everton reserves at Morcambe tonight. Everton goal scorers Osma(5min) and Ferguson ( 28 min penalty) Rovers line up. Robinson Douglas Pelzer Danns Greer Bruce Watt Donnelly Gallagher Johnson Morgan Subs not used: Cole, Renton, Black, Fitzgerald, Harkins

Treatment Room Ostenstad who limped out of Rovers win against Manchester City on Saturday with a knee injury could keep him out of action for several weeks. Gresko has fully recovered from a knock he sustained in training and is with the rest of the first-team squad at their Marbella training camp. Damian Duff is making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury and could be ready for a come back against Arsenal a week on Saturday Craig Short is also responding well to treatment on his thigh strain. Reserves Rovers' reserves are in action against Everton at Morecambe's Christie Park tonight (kick-off 7pm). Turkish Delight Hakan Sukur and Tugay, are both set to play for a Rest of the World XI against Kanu's African XI at the Reebok Stadium tonight in aid of the Arsenal striker's heart foundation charity

News update. 8pm 3/3/2003. Sheffield United have signed Curtis from Rovers on loan - seeing off interest from Division One rivals Crystal Palace. The 24-year-old has agreed a three-month deal which keeps him at Bramall Lane until 30 May. The defender is expected to make his debut for the club when the Blades take on Grimsby on Tuesday.

It has been reported that last minute chages to the line up for yesterday game against City, were due to another hamstring problem. Dwight Yorke felt his hamstring tighten up during the warm up, resulting in Souness having to make changes 10 minutes before kickoff, replace Yorke in the starting line up with Egil Ostenstad, and adding Andy Todd to substitute list.

Rovers 1 City 0 David Dunns header 13 minutes into the game was sufficient to allow Rovers to collect all 3 points against Manchester City at a packed Ewood Park this afternoon. Due to injuries Souness was forced into changing the team that played against Chelsea last week, with Taylor and McEverley coming in for Short and Gresko, whilst Ostenstad was a last minute change when Yorke had problems in the warm up. With a surprise for the supporters of Hakan Sukar being named as one of the subs. Rovers took the lead following fine work by Tugay. Ostenstad shot from Tugays pass was parried by Nash allowing Dunn to ghost in and nod the ball home. From this point on, the game resembled a flashback to the glory days when Rovers ground out results, Rovers defence taking top marks for a professional performance. With Berg making a last minute body block just before half time to deny a goal bound shot from Fowler. Just before half time Ostenstad was forced to leave the field following a tackle by Citys Sommeil and his failure to respond to treatment lead to the long awaited debut of World Cup star Hakan Sukar. At half time Souness changed to a 3-5-2 formation, bringing on Johansson for McEveley, and although Rovers threatened more in the second half, Nash was never troubled in the City goalmouth. Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Berg, Taylor, McEveley (Johansson 45), Gillespie (Todd 66), Tugay, Dunn, Flitcroft, Cole, Ostenstad (Sukur 42). Subs Not Used: Grabbi, Kelly. Booked: Neill, Flitcroft. City: Nash, Sommeil, Wiekens (Goater 82), Distin, Jihai (Wright-Phillips 58), Berkovic (Benarbia 45), Horlock, Foe, Jensen, Anelka, Fowler. Subs Not Used: Weaver, Bischoff. Referee: S Dunn Final Score 1-0 Peter Jackson Man of the Match David Dunn Attendance: 28,647

There's Only One Simon Garner, will ring out once more at Ewood Park on the Sunday 18 May, when Souness's Worthington Cup Team will pit their wits against Dalglish's Championship Team, in a testimonial game for fans all time favourite Simon Garner. Garner has been granted a testimonial by the club for the service he gave the club, with Souness and Dalglish managing respective teams, this will be a mouth watering finale to the season. Souness has made the current squad available for the game and plans are underway to reunite the Championship side. Henning Berg even revealed in his post match interview today, that subject to selection by Dalglish, he has opted for selection in the Championship team.

Various media releases are reporting the following news. Rovers striker Jimmy Corbett and teenage full-back Darren Hockenhull, have both signed for Darlington on a months loan. Both are included in the Darlington squad for tomorrows game against Mike Newells Hartlepool. On loan midfielder Alan Mahon, an unused substitute against Port Vale last week, is expected to feature at some stage tomorrow in Cardiff game against Stockport due to an injury crisis at the Welsh club. Jonathan Walters, who signed for Bolton from Rovers last year, has joined Hull on a months loan and is included in their squad for their game at Carlisle tomorrow After playing against Ashley Ward last Saturday, on loan striker Matt Jansen comes up against another Rovers old boy Steve Livingstone tomorrow, when Coventry play away at Grimsby.

Rovers have named a squad of 18 players for tomorrows game against Manchester City at Ewood Park. Rovers Friedel, Neill, Berg, Short, Gresko, Tylor, Johansson, McEveley, Todd, Tugay, Flitcroft, Dunn, Gillespie, Grabbi, Cole, Yorke, Ostenstad and Kelly. Meanwhile City have named a squad of 19 players. City Schmeichel, Nash, Weaver, Sun, Howey, Distin, Wiekens, Sommeil, Dunne, Jensen, Wright-Phillips, Foe, Benarbia, Horlock, Berkovic, Anelka, Fowler, Goater, Belmadi. Referee Steve Dunn

Manchester Utd Res 1. Rovers Res 3. Goals by Ciaran Donnelly, Paul Gallagher and Alan Morgan gave Rovers Reserves a 3-1 away win against Manchester United last night, after United had taken the lead through Darren Fletcher. Team line up: Robinson, Douglas, Pelzer, Danns, Todd, McEveley, Watt, Donnelly, Ostenstad, (Corbett 83) Gallagher, Morgan. Link to match report available on the Messageboard Forum.

Media articles during the last couple of days report that Henning Berg is retiring to his native Norway once his contract runs out in the summer and that after two spells at Ewood Park he believes the future is bright for Rovers. In an interview reported by the press Berg has allegedly stated he believes the future is bright for Rovers. Stating that Rovers have some very good players, including young ones coming through from the Academy. Berg signed for Rovers from Lillestrom in 1993 and was an integral part of Dalglishs Championship winning team in 1994-95, making 40 league appearances that season. After leaving Rovers in 1997 for Manchester United he returned to Ewood Park in September 2000 to make 42 league appearances in the promotion season, as the defensive rock that lead the Rovers back to the Premiership. I believe I can say that the unassuming Norwegian defender will go down in Rovers history as one of the greats to have worn the blue and white.