DON'T expect a mass invasion of young Australians, even though Rovers are again showing interest in prospects from Down Under.

Academy boss Bobby Downes made a number of good contacts when he travelled to Australia and, as a result, the club will give a trial to 17-year-old midfielder Scott Tunbridge later this month.

And there is a possibility of a couple more Aussie youngsters coming to England in the New Year for Brockhall trials.

Tunbridge attends the Australian Institute of Sport whose members are supposed to be the cream of the crop and all three boys that Rovers have been keeping a distant eye on have passports to avoid work permit complications.

But it is as well to keep things in perspective, despite the success of a number of Australians in the English game.

Remember that Simon Colisimo, one of their brightest prospects before suffering a serious injury against Manchester United, had trials with Rovers who did not follow up their initial interest.

As Downes said: "It's a global game these days and, if you want to find the best young players, you have to look everywhere and try everything."

THE "dressing-up" of the stadium idea, which has been in operation this season, stemmed from Italy where top Ewood official Mel Highmore saw how home fans arrived hours before kick-off time to drape their flags around the stands. Members of the Supporters' Forum have been carrying out a similar operation at Ewood for this season's home matches, such as the blue and white bunting around the floodlight pylons.

Any of the various fan groups wishing to have their flags or banners placed around the ground at home matches can contact Mel on 01254-296227.

THERE is no FA Premier League Reserve match scheduled for next week and another re-arrangement means that the second string will not now be in action until Wednesday, September 29, when they visit Bradford City (kick-off 7pm).

The home game against Sunderland, which was due to be held at Ewood on Tuesday, September 21, has now been switched to Tuesday, February 8 (7pm), because of the club's Worthington Cup fixture.

ROVERS fans intending to travel to Fratton Park for next Tuesday's Worthington Cup second round (first leg) tie against Portsmouth (7.45pm) can buy tickets from Ewood, with all adult seats priced at £13. Junior and senior citizen tickets are available at £6. Seats for visiting fans are situated behind the Milton End goal.

For the return leg at Ewood on Wednesday, September 22 (7.45pm), season-ticket holders have again been offered a special deal. Until close of business on Tuesday, September 21, season-ticket holders can buy seats at £10 adults, £6 young adults/senior citizens and just £2 for juniors.

Non-season-ticket holders can buy tickets at £12 adults, £10 senior citizens and £5 juniors and those prices will apply to all seats bought on the day of the game.

Season-ticket holders have until close of business next Wednesday to claim their own seats.

Holders of family stand season tickets must still claim their seats in advance, even though their under-eight tickets are free.

FANS can save money by buying their seats in advance for next Saturday's game at West Bromwich Albion.

Prices for the Hawthorns match (3pm) are £14 adults, £8 concessions. But, if you want to pay on the day, they are £15 (£8.50).

THE Under-19s have an Academy fixture against Middlesbrough at Brockhall next Saturday (noon). The Under-17 side are away to Middlesbrough (11am).

TICKETS have also gone on open sale for the next home League game against Walsall at Ewood on Saturday, September 25 (3pm). They are priced £15-£20, with senior citizen tickets £10 and juniors £8 where applicable.

LATEST Double Your Money Club £500 winner is P Cooper (Blackburn), number 311A.

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