BLackburn Rovers will continue to monitor the ‘Roque Santa Cruz situation’ after the Paraguayan striker again hinted his future lay away from Rovers.

Santa Cruz admitted in an interview over the weekend his desire to play for a “more ambitious and better club” but is believed to have escaped any punishment after talks with boss Allardyce.

Rovers remain aware of interest in their talisman ahead of the January transfer window but, with no official bids being made, know there is still time to decide the best route forward.

Allardyce is yet to draw up a list of January targets for chairman John Williams as he continues to assess his current playing squad.

Midfielder and summer signing Vince Grella is now back in training, after a hamstring injury, and could make the substitutes bench for Boxing Day’s crucial trip to Sunderland.