PAUL Ince has hinted that Robbie Fowler could be close to earning himself a deal at Blackburn Rovers.

The former Liverpool and England striker has been on trial at Ewood throughout pre-season after leaving Championship side Cardiff in the summer.

The 33-year-old, who has played pre-season games against Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Wolves and Saturday’s final friendly against NAC Breda, has impressed Ince and seems to be close to earning himself a deal at Rovers.

Ince said: “Robbie is okay. He’s fit but he just needs to get his sharpness and I’ve told him that.

“But he’s a goalscorer - he will always score goals.

"If we can get him right, then there’s no reason why he can’t play a part in the season.

“If you look at Teddy Sheringham, he played until he was 41.

"He wasn’t blessed with pace, like Robbie, who I’m sure won’t mind me saying.

“But if we get him right, I’m sure he will score goals.

"You don’t lose that.”

Has Fowler done enough to earn a contract? Add your comments below.