BLACKBURN Rovers have been given 4,200 tickets for next month's derby clash with Burnley at Turf Moor.

And they will go on sale to season-ticket holders only from next Wednesday on a first come, first served basis as the clubs prepare for their first meeting in 17 years.

Officials from both camps have worked closely in a bid to ensure the game passes off peacefully.

And Rovers are hoping to play their own part in making sure things run smoothly by putting on a fleet of free coaches to ferry fans directly to the ground.

The match, itself, has been made all-ticket and will be screened live on Sky on Sunday, December 17.

Rovers season-ticket holders must apply by post and the club are operating a policy of one ticket per season-ticket book.

Fans will be asked to produce voucher X and tickets will only be distributed for the use of the person whose name is on the season-ticket.

Places on the official coaches are also limited and, like the match tickets, they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Meanwhile, Welsh Under 21 international James Thomas was back in Graeme Souness's squad for today's 125th birthday bash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Ewood Park.

And Welsh boss Mark Hughes has handed his Rovers colleague a massive boost by indicating he could become a big part of his future plans at senior international level. "He's got a very bright future ahead of him," said Hughes, who is currently one caution away from a one match ban.

"He's a young man whose played a few games for me at Under 21 level and he's been one of the pluses since I took over.

"So he's going to be around for a while.

"His link-up play is very good and that's what has impressed me every time I've seen him.

"The more he improves that side of things and all aspects of his game, the better player he will become.

"I think he's got a willingness to listen to people and he wants to try and learn.

"And that's going to be an important part of his development.

"He clearly wants to progress at international level and he's started off very well with the Under 21s.

"So now I can monitor his progress a little more closely than I could before.

"And, obviously, that helps me, just as much as it does him."

Elsewhere, Ewood chief Graeme Souness has dismissed reports that he and Alan Kelly have had a bust-up.

Several stories in the national Press claimed Kelly had stormed out of a recent meeting between the pair.

However, Souness insists the discussions ended amicably.

"I don't think Alan is too happy because he's not in the team," said Souness.

"But the story which appeared in the national Press in midweek is not true. "He did come in to see me but, as far as I was concerned, the conversation finished with us both in agreement.

"He's obviously not happy with the situation but at no time did he get heated or did it ever look like getting heated.

"I think that was just a headline by a tabloid and tabloids sometimes get it wrong."

Kelly, however, has admitted that he may have to move on in a bid to safeguard his international future.

"Mick McCarthy has told me that I'm still Ireland's first choice but, if I'm not playing first team football by the World Cup qualifiers next March, then I will not start," said Kelly.

"He's said the same to the other Blackburn lads, Jason McAteer and Lee Carsley, so this really underlines for me that I've got to think hard about my future at Blackburn.

"It couldn't be any plainer for me now."

Carsley has already expressed his concerns while McAteer is also thought to be worried about his own lack of opportunities.

Rovers game with Preston North End at Deepdale will now be screened live on Sky on Sunday, March 11 (kick-off 1pm).