The Blackburn Times 12/10/05

Steven Reid could be in contention to start for the Republic of Ireland’s game v Switzerland at Lansdowne Road tonight as Damian Duff has been ruled out by injury. Reid faces compeition from Spurs Andy Reid.
Also facing international duty tonight are Morten Gamst Pedersen who should start against Belarus and Zurab Khizanishvili should feature for Georgia.

Michael Gray says that 20 year old winger Morten Gamst Pedersen is developing into one of the Premiership's top players. His brace v Man Utd last month made a fair few people sit up and take notice. Gray said 'I think everyone has seen what Morten can do over the last few weeks. He's a tremendous finisher, as he showed with those two goals at Old Trafford recently. He's got an all-round game.'

31 year old left back Michael Gray thought his time at Blackburn was up until Hughes became manager and gave him his chance. 'I have got to hold my hands up and say it has been frustrating for myself. I was coming in every day and trying to keep a level head and to work your socks off and know that there is nothing there at the weekend for you has been pretty difficult.

Steven Reid believes Blackburn can claim another major victory following on from the Man Utd win last month when they face Liverpool at the weekend. 'If we can go to Old Trafford and win then we've got nothing to fear going to somewhere like Anfield. I think the lads are going into every game now with no fear and believing that we can get the win.'

Blackburn Under-18s maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win at Everton. Kevin Pezzoni and Raffaele de Vita scored.

28 year old David Thompson is hoping he can put his injury nightmares behind him and get back on tract following what he hopes will prove to be successful treatment from the highly respected doctor Hans-Muller Wolfhart who has saved the careers of many top sports stars.

Young Blackburn left back Andy Taylor is fighting to get a first team place having played regularly for the reserve team. 'Its going to be tough but hopefully I can work hard and push my way in,'

27 year old Lucas Neil could have given Hughes another option at the back having played well for Australian coach Guus Hiddink in the central defensive position despite playing most of his career at right back.

LUCAS Neill could prove to be a valuable asset for Blackburn boss Mark Hughes this winter after impressing in a new central defensive role for Australia.