MARVIN Emnes’ future at Blackburn Rovers remains in the balance after the forward was denied permission to play in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Queens Park Rangers by parent club Swansea City.

Sam Gallagher replaced the Dutchman in attack for Owen Coyle’s side as they booked a place in tonight’s draw for the fourth round with a 2-1 win.

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Emnes’ loan deal allows him to play in this weekend’s Championship clash at Ipswich Town but beyond that talks are still taking place over an extended deal for the 28-year-old who is out of contract at the Liberty Stadium in the summer.

Swansea, who are currently paying the bulk of Emnes’ wages, were knocked out of the FA Cup after losing to Hull City 2-0 on Saturday.

Coyle has previously spoken of his intent to keep the former Middlesbrough man at Ewood Park, whether on loan or on a permanent deal, but the Rovers boss is still waiting to discover what, if any, funds Venky’s will make available to him to spend this month.

Emnes has made 20 appearances for Rovers in all competitions scoring three goals although the last of those came in the win at Derby County in September.

Meanwhile, Rovers will face either Yeovil Town or FC Broxbourne Borough in the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup should they beat Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

Billy Barr’s side stunned Arsenal in the last round and will look to continue their fine cup pedigree, having reached the last four 12 months ago, when Villa travel to East Lancashire this week.

Tickets for the Ewood Park clash are £4 for adults and £2 for concessions with kick off at 7pm.