BRIAN Kidd stressed today that he had not shut the door on any potential signings, despite a distinct lack of Ewood transfer activity so far this summer.

But the Blackburn Rovers boss also pointed out that he intended to give his present staff a chance to prove themselves - especially those who missed so much of last season through long-term injuries.

The absence of summer signings has proved disappointing for the fans who expected to see a major rebuilding job begin.

There has only been a hint of interest in players like Steve Harkness and David Wetherall and no bids.

Rovers insist the search is ongoing but the transfer market in general has been unusually quiet.

That could mean a sudden explosion of activity around the country once a big move or two sparks it all off.

The situation could certainly change if there were to be any Ewood departures, leaving gaps in the manager's strategy.

But Kidd believes he already has a strong squad when the majority are fit.

"I think there is still time (to sign players) if the right players come up and are available," he said.

"But we still haven't really seen what a lot of the players here can do."

Moves for the likes of Chris Sutton and Tim Flowers remain on the cards, though the lack of bids must be of concern to both.

And once Kidd starts to select teams and some players feel they are not going to be first choice, then that might also be the cue for others to want to leave.

With a good start to the season vital, however, the manager will have to be sure that he has enough quality as well as quantity in his squad to achieve that.

His prime objective at the moment is to weld the present players into an effective fighting unit.

If he can instil the same spirit in the players that he showed as pre-season training began for the majority of the squad yesterday, then that will be a tangible asset.

"I am really up for it," said the manager as he took charge of his first pre-season campaign at Brockhall.

"If I didn't know where we were going, then we would have a problem. But I do.

"We will be working hard. I have said before that the season starts on the first day we report back.

"But it will be structured work as we look to give everyone a good fitness base for the months ahead."

Those who were involved in international fixtures at the end of the season were given a few extra days grace, as Kidd was keen to ensure everyone had a proper break.

And a trio of players who have been on the long-term injured list, Jeff Kenna, Billy McKinlay and Nathan Blake, will be nursed back carefully.

"They will be doing remedial work and we will take care. We don't want them breaking down," added Kidd.

As for Garry Flitcroft and Christian Dailly, it will be a case of fingers crossed that both are now fully recovered from last season's problems and can build up as normal with the rest of the squad.

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