BLACKBURN Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is set to send a team littered with top-class talent to the Galpharm Stadium tonight (7.30).
The Ewood Park club’s manager was set to use the same approach for last night’s friendly at Preston North End by splitting his squad between first teamers and fringe players looking to ensure they have a chance with Rovers this term.
Among those who may be looking to prove themselves against Lee Clark’s Town side is Barcelona reject Gai Assulin.
The Israeli midfielder has reportedly been given just one week to convince Rovers boss Allardyce that he can cut it in the Premier League.
Assulin, 19, began his seven-day trial at Ewood on Monday after Allardyce agreed to assessing his potential with a view to giving him a chance in East Lancashire.
The Israeli midfielder, once dubbed the ‘new Lionel Messi’ when Barcelona signed him up as a 12-year-old boy, has struggled to live up to expectations at the Camp Nou.
He became the youngest player to represent his country, aged just 16, but was released by the Catalan giants earlier this month.
Rovers come into the game unbeaten in their pre-season build up so far.
They began with a goalless draw in Austria against Sturm Graz and last weekend split their squad in half to play games against non-Leaguers Fleetwood Town and Southport – winning those matches 2-0 and 3-0 respectively.
Rovers are still waiting on the return of their World Cup contingent – Denmark’s Lars Jacobsen, New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen and Australia’s Brett Emerton – but they could have defender Chris Samba in action against Town.
The Republic of Congo international suffered a knee injury during the draw in Austria and was rested for the Saturday games, but was expected to make a return this week.
