BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is keeping close tabs on French defender Jerome Bonnissel as he steps up his efforts to bring in new blood this summer.

Ewood chief Souness is a keen admirer of the highly-rated Bordeaux full-back.

And he is said to be monitoring his situation with interest as Tottenham and Bayern Munich close in on the 28-year-old former Montpellier star.

"He is a player Graeme has mentioned and we are aware of his situation," said chief executive John Williams.

"But he's one everyone seems to be interested in and we've certainly not made any bid."

Meanwhile, Jason McAteer continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City following the appointment of Kevin Keegan as manager.

But Rovers officials have not been contacted by anyone from the Maine Road club regarding the availability of the Republic of Ireland international.

Talk of a move by Rovers for unsettled Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate would also appear to be wide of the mark despite speculation to the contrary in the national Press.

Elsewhere, several of Souness's promotion heroes were on international duty at the weekend and they enjoyed mixed fortunes.

Damien Duff made a big impact as a second half substitute in the Republic of Ireland's battling 1-1 draw with Portugal at Lansdowne Road.

But Keith Gillespie has apologised for the momentary lapse which saw him get booked in the final minute of Northern Ireland's 1-0 home defeat against Bulgaria.

That means the Rovers winger will now be suspended for Wednesday's trip to the Czech Republic -- adding further misery to the North's already-doomed World Cup qualifying campaign.

"It was down to sheer frustration and I know I should not have done it," said Gillespie.

"But I was not helped by their players running up to the referee and doing their best to make sure I was booked."

"I am devastated at missing the game in Prague because I played well against the Czechs in Belfast and was looking forward to testing myself once more against one of the best teams in the world."

Nathan Blake's comeback for Wales was also something of a bitter-sweet affair as he scored his first international goal in nearly a year but it wasn't enough to prevent Mark Hughes's men from crashing to a 2-1 home defeat against Poland.

That result all but ended their feint hopes of qualifying for next summer's World Cup.

Blake, however, took heart from the fact he completed a full 90 minutes on his international return after a season plagued by injury.

"It was nice for me to play and get a goal after the season I have had with so long out through injury," said Blake.

"Sadly, if you don't get a result, it doesn't matter that I score.

"But I could still do with a rest in the summer.

"When you are injured for such a long time you do tend to do a lot more work in the gym than if you are fit.

"I'm still not match fit, but I could do with a rest after the Ukraine game on Wednesday and recharge myself then for next season."