ONE can only imagine the thoughts going through the minds of Matt Jansen, Gary Flitcroft, David Dunn and Andy Cole on Wednesday as England's new crop of young hopefuls shone in the international in Holland.

A few shorts months ago, the Rovers quartet were being widely tipped for inclusion in the England squad -- Cole and Dunn in particular.

The reason they are now forgotten men is simply they have not performed for Blackburn Rovers. In fact, they have been pretty poor as ten defeats in 12 Premiership games indicates.

The only way Andy Cole, David Dunn, or any player for that matter, is going to gain international recognition is by playing well in the Premiership for their club and the Rovers men have been found wanting.

Jansen has even had the audacity to blame a lack of a quality partner -- now he has Cole and any improvement is minimal.

The "buzz" among Rovers supporters seems to be apathy for the Worthington Cup final. Being an embarrassment in front of the nation's TV viewing public is more than a possibility.

What Rovers fans want is not a cup final but Premiership points. Defeat against Bolton at the Reebok on March 2 will all but end Rovers' Premiership status and plunge us back into the Nationwide League -- and, heaven forbid, possibly swap places with Burnley!

Unless the 'forgotten' quartet produce some much-needed international form.

C WHITESIDE, Biggar Village, Walney Island, Barrow in Furness.