A New Right-Back Is Ince's Priority

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince is looking to increase the squad size at Ewood Park this summer, and has admitted that a new right-back is his priority (sasman won't be happy!!!).

Brett Emerton has primarily been our right-back in the last two seasons, with Andre Ooijer, Zurab Khizanishvili and Steven Reid also used but many would agree that a specialist right-back is a high priority, and Ince agrees.

Ince told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We are looking at a few things right now but we don't want to rush into anything - there's still another six weeks to go before the season starts.

"That said, we've got some targets and we want to get in there before anyone else does.

"I feel we need a few players to bolster the squad. A right-back is the main priority, even though Brett Emerton did well there last season.

"I just feel we probably need a specialist in that position. We are also looking at other positions too."

Chelsea right-back Juliano Belletti has been linked with a move to Ewood in the past 24-hours or so.

Meanwhile Robbie Fowler (who Incey has invited along for Pre-Season to prove his fitness, which would then earn him a one-year contract) has said that the chance of a possible return to the Premier League was to good to refuse.

Fowler will join us for our training camp in Germany and will also play in some Pre-Season friendlies. Now he is hoping that his gamble to refuse the new contract offer from Cardiff City will pay off with him returning to the Premier League with Rovers, which he believes is something he can still do.

Fowler told the Daily Mirror: "I don't think anyone at Cardiff can blame me for taking this opportunity because I still have a desire to play at the top level.

"Most importantly, I believe I can still do it. I could take the contract on offer at Cardiff, and there are no guarantees that I will be taken on by Blackburn, but at this stage of my career I've got to take a chance.

"I still love football, still want to go out and do it, and I'm really pleased that I have got a chance to show I can play in the Premier League."

The 33-year-old former England International has admitted that he isn't as fit as he was (understandably) but feels he can still perform at the highest level, and most importantly has the desire that is required.

He added: "I'm not trying to kid anyone, I'm not as fit as I was at the age of 20 but that's obvious.

"I feel I can still perform to a decent level. I have the desire still and that's important."


NOT REGISTERED TO VITAL BLACKBURN? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! Register by clicking here.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.