STEVE Lomas will no doubt come under special scrutiny at Upton Park tomorrow when he leads West Ham's attempts to plunge Blackburn Rovers deeper into relegation trouble.

For Lomas is seen at Ewood as the kind of player who could help them dig their way out of the mire and his name could well figure on the agenda when the two sets of club officials meet up before and after the game.

Rovers have tried to maintain a low profile and have only admitted that Lomas is one of the names which has been mentioned by manager Brian Kidd in his search for new blood.

But it is an open secret that they are anxious to bolster the centre of midfield.

And, while Kidd insists he is not going to "panic buy", Lomas - just turned 25 and the skipper of Northern Ireland - represents the kind of target that you would expect to find in the Ewood boss's grand plan.

Experienced, with the character to be a leader, battle-hardened and yet young enough to have his best years ahead, Lomas certainly fits the bill.

Talking about the general situation, the manager said: "The players we have bought so far have been good buys, not just for the short term but for the long term as well.

"And there are areas where we do need strengthening.

"We have been looking all the time and if players are available I am sure I could go to Mr Walker and he would look on it sympathetically. But you can't be buying just for buyings sake.

"It's about getting the right type of player and the one we want."

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