Emerton: Aussie pal Grella can end Blackburn Rovers jinx (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Emerton: Aussie pal Grella can end Blackburn Rovers jinx

9:52am Tuesday 17th November 2009 in

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BRETT Emerton insists Vince Grella has the mental toughness to turn around his Ewood Park fortunes - despite a nightmare 15-month introduction to English football.

Rovers’ Australian midfielder has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League since his circa £4million move from Italian outfits Torino, with a string of injuries limiting him to just 19 league starts and two substitute appearances.

Grella’s 2009/10 campaign has already been disrupted by recent groin and hamstring injuries but, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers, the 30-year-old looks to be back in contention to make just his fifth league start of the season.

Grella’s injury woes have seen some Rovers fans grow increasingly frustrated at the lack of minutes from Paul Ince’s ‘big-money’ signing, but his club and country team mate Emerton has backed him to soon to start shining in England.

Emerton said: “There is definitely a lot more to come from Vince. He has already shown in the games he has played that he has something to offer.

“I have known him for a very long time and I have never seen him pick up so many niggly injuries. It is unfortunate for him but I hope for his sake and ours he can put a game run of games together “Because he is a great player and I think he can bring something different to this team. Like I said, he has shown that when he has played and I am sure it will be just a matter of time before his injury problems ease.”

Grella was not included in Australia’s latest Asian Cup qualifier in Oman due to injury, with Emerton scoring a late winner for the 10-man Socceroos.

Both though are expected to be key figures in the Aussies’ World Cup finals campaign in South Africa in the summer, with Emerton knowing more than most the influence Grella can have in midfield.

The duo have made more than 100 Australian appearances between them, with Emerton insisting Grella’s contribution in the heart of midfield is invaluable.

“He works hard, breaks up a lot of the play, is a good passer of the ball and is something we need in this team,” he said. “He is something we need but he just hasn’t had much time to show fans what a great players he us. I am sure he will.

“He has a great attitude on and off the pitch. He is a hard worker and I don’t think he will let it get him down. He has that toughness about him.

“He will keep working hard and making sure he gives himself every opportunity to play as many games as possible.”