BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes has turned down two separate enquiries for Paul Gallagher.

Championship rivals Cardiff City and Sunderland have both asked about taking the 20-year-old striker on loan.

But Hughes has rebuffed those requests and assured the youngster that he is still part of his long-term plans at Ewood Park.

Gallagher is still a huge fans' favourite at Rovers despite his lack of appearances in the first team this season.

The player himself is desperate to stay and prove to Hughes that he's worth a recall.

And he can boost his chances of that happening with an eye-catching performance for Scotland's Under 21s when they take on their Swedish counterparts tonight.

"I've had a couple of offers to go on loan - from Cardiff and Sunderland - but Mark Hughes said he wants me to stay," said Gallagher.

"He said I am part of his plans and hopefully I can get a few games. I feel ready now and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will be able to get back in.

"He is totally different from (previous Blackburn boss Graeme) Souness and he is quieter but the training has been top class and the results will come.

"The game is on television (tonight) and the manager has told me that he will be watching so I want to catch his eye."

In the meantime, Wales Under 21 international coach Glyn Hodges joined Rovers' coaching staff yesterday after accepting an offer to become the successor to Tony Parkes.

Hodges has been appointed as the club's new reserve team manager after signing a 12-month rolling contract.

And the former Barnsley coach will see his new team in action for the first time this evening when they take on Bolton Wanderers reserves at Morecambe's Christie Park.

Hodges also plans to continue his work with the Wales Under 21 squad as well on a part-time basis.