Patience Needed For Rovers Duo

Although it is unlikely that the Blackburn Rovers defensive duo of Andy Todd and Dominic Matteo are likely to get back into the first team (maybe just about first team squad) both still have a chance.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes has offered a glimmer of hope to the pair although certainly in the case of Matteo this is flickering in the wind! With injuries mounting at Ewood Park Hughes is adamant neither will leave Ewood Park on loan as has been rumoured and certainly not before January. He said:

"We've lost a lot of players to injuries in recent weeks so I can't afford to let anyone out at the moment, certainly not on loan.

"There's been a number of enquiries for players but I'm knocking them all back at the moment, apart from ones for the younger players in the squad who might need to go out for experience.

"In the case of senior players, though, it's difficult for me to let anyone out."

Todd will feel he has a slightly better chance of getting back into the first team squad at least. He hasn't featured in the starting XI since August though and has barely been in the final sixteen either (injury hasn't helped him though.)

Matteo on the other hand hasn't played a single minute of first team football this season let alone featured in a match day squad of sixteen and has only made seven first team appearances in the past 15 months, the last coming in January.

"It's difficult," added Sparky as he continued before then going on to explain just how frustrating he can imagine it is for the pair to be involved so little. He has challenged them to be prepared should the chance come along though.

"I've got to look at things and I make decisions which will affect senior players, and younger players as well.

"But they understand that's part and parcel of it.

"Injuries will occur in different positions and maybe they will get an opportunity, so it's then down to them to take it.

"It's been unfortunate (for them), but that's the nature of the game at the moment."

Personally I can't see either playing another first team game for Rovers, almost certainly as a starter and think one, if not both WILL move on in January.

Todd would be the one most likely to stay but with both being the wrong side of thirty they will be looking for regular first team football and as good as they may have been in the past I am not convinced they have what it takes at the highest level anymore?

Could Todd or Matteo still do a job for Rovers, or indeed another Premiership side?

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