Player Profile: Paul Gallagher

Full Name: Paul Gallagher
Date of Birth: 9th August 1984, Glasgow
Nationality: Scottish
Position: Forward
Squad Number: 18
Internationals: Capped at Full level for Scotland
Previous Clubs: Stoke (loan from Rovers)

Paul Gallagher is another product of the Blackburn Rovers youth side and one who looks set to have a big future with the club when it once looked he wouldn't.

Gallagher's debut season with the senior side was to be the 2003-2004 one with his debut match coming as a substitute in March 2003 as a 19-year-old. His first goal also came in this season against Birmingham City.

The Scotsman came in and out of the side over the remainder of that and the 2004-2005 seasons so Mark Hughes decided it was best to send Gallagher out on loan, this being to Championship side Stoke City for the 2005-2006 season.

His loan with Stoke provided him with an ideal opportunity to prove to Hughes his worth, which he did! Although used mainly as a left or right winger as opposed to an out and out forward his twelve goals in thirty-six first team outings caught Hughes' eye and he was recalled for the final three matches of the 2005-2006 season, coming on as a substitute on the final day of that season.

The summer arrivals suggested to some people that maybe his time at Ewood Park could possibly come to an end all together or at least a further loan spell be on the cards but before a ball was even kicked this season Hughes was quick to say that he wanted him to stay and fight for his first team place, which he is doing.

His substitute appearances often as a winger or midfielder have been impressive so he gives Hughes another option. His goal against Manchester City in the 2006-2007 season early in September was his first Rovers goal in two years.

Although appearances may have to come from the bench he will be an option, and a very handy one at that. He will also be looking to get back into the Scotland International side having made his debut in 2003 before he had even made his Rovers debut.

Blackburn Rovers appearances and goals up to the start of the 2006-2007 Season
League: 43 (26 as sub) - 5 goals
FA Cup: 5 (1 as sub)
League Cup: 2 (1 as sub) - 1 goal
Other (European etc.): 2 (1 as sub)
TOTAL: 52 - 6 goal

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