BLACKBURN Rovers today played down talk of a summer swoop for AC Milan star Andrea Pirlo.

Reports in the national Press over the weekend claimed the attacking midfielder was top of Graeme Souness's transfer wish-list as he plans for next season.

But chief executive John Williams has poured cold water on those stories -- for the time being at least -- by insisting the club are currently focusing all their energies on Premiership survival rather than checking out talent in preparation for the summer.

"Our scouts are going out watching games all the time but at the moment all we are focusing on are the games ahead," said Williams.

"Names get mentioned to us all the time but we are not pursuing any specific targets at present because we are fighting to stay in the Premiership."

Pirlo is currently out of favour at the San Siro and has only made 10 appearances for The Rossoneri all season, despite signing from Inter in a £10 million deal last summer.

However, he remains highly-rated on the continent where he is the current captain of Italy's Under-21 side.

And he underlined his potential with two goals in the final of the European Under-21 Championships in Slovakia two years ago when Italy beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

If he is allowed to leave in the summer then there is sure to be no shortage of interest in the player.

And a switch to Ewood may well appear attractive if Souness could guarantee him first team football.

Rovers chief scout Terry Darracott did watch Milan in action recently but Hapoel Tel Aviv's Shimon Gershon was thought to be his target on that occasion when the two sides met for a UEFA Cup tie.

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender John Terry looks set to miss Wednesday's clash with Rovers after he sustained a nasty head injury in the Blues win over Everton on Saturday.

Terry gave Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri a scare when he was forced off with blood pouring down his face after a collision with Everton keeper Steve Simonsen.

The 21-year-old required 10 stitches to his forehead and did not reappear and he's now almost certain to sit out the game against Rovers.

"I jumped up too late and hit my head," he said.

"I wanted to go back on but the Chelsea doctor told me I couldn't.

"I was disappointed with a big game coming up but I should be okay.

"I can train as normal, I just can't head the ball. I will miss the Blackburn game but I'll definitely be available for Sunday."

Chelsea desperately need a win at Ewood to boost their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

They are currently fourth in the table but fifth-placed Newcastle have two games in hand.

"We're a massive club and we should be in the Champions League -- we need to be there," added Terry.

Rovers' Under 17s qualified for the quarter finals of the Academy play-offs at the weekend courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Derby County at a wind-swept Brockhall.

Jemal Johnson grabbed the all-important goal which ensured Rovers finished unbeaten at the top of their qualifying group.

For more details see tomorrow's Brockhall Beat in your Evening Telegraph.