BRIAN KIDD believes that Glenn Hoddle could well have given Chris Sutton an England recall if he had still been the national coach.

The Rovers boss revealed today that he had spoken to the former England coach about Sutton just days after taking over at Ewood.

"I actually spoke to Glenn in my first week in the job and he was very receptive but then Sutty got injured," said Kidd.

"Everybody said that if you cross Glenn Hoddle that's it, but he was very sympathetic about Chris Sutton and it speaks volumes for the man.

"Glenn was very open minded about it. I honestly believe if he was still in the job and Sutty was fit he would definitely have considered him.

"Glenn Hoddle was not as dogmatic as people say."

Kidd also confirmed that he did not expect to have Garry Flitcroft available to him until next season.

Flitcroft has made a slower than expected recovery from knee surgery and Kidd said: "I don't think we'll see Garry this season. I don't want to push him I want to make sure he gets himself right."

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