KEITH Gillespie started a one month loan spell with Wigan Athletic today knowing a string of impressive performances for the Latics could lead to a lucrative move abroad.

The Northern Ireland international, who has been told he can leave Ewood on a free by Blackburn boss Graeme Souness, has joined Bruce Rioch's Second Division promotion charge.

But a top Spanish club are also hot on the trail of the former Manchester United winger.

And, if he can put himself in the shop window, then he could yet secure a permanent move away from Rovers when a window in the Spanish transfer market opens later in the season.

"A Spanish club have expressed an interest in Keith," said chief executive John Williams.

"But they can't do anything about it at the moment because of the transfer system over there."

Originally, Souness had said he was opposed to a loan move for Gillespie because he wants him off the pay-roll permanently.

But, due to a lack of first appearances, Rovers stand a better chance of cutting their losses if Gillespie is playing regularly elsewhere.

"It's a long time since Keith played for the first team so by allowing him to go out on loan that at least puts him in the shop window," said Williams.

Meanwhile, Rovers were looking to get back on the winning trail at Tranmere today after last week's setback against Gillingham.

"All defeats are disappointing but to lose to Gillingham -- and to two bad goals as well -- was an awful feeling," said assistant boss Tony Parkes.

"It's taken a while for us to get that out of our system this week.

"But we've got to bounce back at Tranmere which won't be that easy.

"They're always a tough side -- especially at home -- and we'll have to make sure we compete."

Ewood chief Graeme Souness could face a dilemma as to who to play upfront today.

Recent signing Marcus Bent is starting to settle in after spending a full week training with his new team-mates. And he could yet push regular strike duo Mark Hughes and Matt Jansen for a starting place.

"It's like joining a new school, I've done it four or five times now, but it still gets scary every time," said Bent.

"I'm settling in well, I've still got to get to know the lads a bit better yet, and that bonding will come with time.

"But you dream of playing with people like Mark Hughes and Jason McAteer.

"And, hopefully, they can teach me a lot whilst I'm here."

Rovers' reserve team clash with Sunderland at New Ferens Park on Monday December 11 has now been put back to Wednesday December 13.

Lee Carsley's Coventry debut has had to be put on hold because of 'personal reasons.'

The Republic of Ireland international signed for the Sky Blues yesterday but was not expected to feature at Bradford today.

Chief executive John Williams confirmed Rovers had expressed an interest in Leeds United centre back Robert Molenaar before he opted for a £400,000 switch to Bradford.

Ewood Blues are running a coach to the reserves game at Morecombe on Monday, departing the Aqueduct car park at 5.15pm. It is free for members and non-members. The same service service will be repeated for all remaining games at Morecambe.