BLACKBURN Rovers have agreed a package deal of around £1 million for St Mirren's talented teenage duo Burton O'Brien and David McNamee.

The youngsters and their parents are now considering their options, with several other major clubs having tracked the pair - especially 'Bobo' O'Brien, who is rated as the hottest midfield prospect in Scotland.

But Rovers manager Brian Kidd has more pressing concerns at the moment, with Billy McKinlay back in the treatment room with a recurrence of his groin injury before Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie at Newcastle.

With players being cup tied, along with the start of Jason Wilcox's suspension, yet another injury worry is that last thing Kidd needs as he looks for a quarter-final place.

Ewood chief executive John Williams confirmed today that a deal had been set up with St Mirren and he said: "We have had discussions with both the lads and the club."

I understand that, if the transfer goes through, they will pay only around a third of the total package at the start and the rest will depend on future appearances. O'Brien is only 17 but currently starring in St Mirren's first team, while full back McNamee, 18, is also a regular.

Williams dismissed reports in today's national newspapers that St Mirren's Hugh Murray was one of the players in their sights.

It could be a couple of days before Rovers get a decision on the pair.

Meanwhile, Kidd has to grapple with yet more selection problems for Sunday and would have had to make changes anyway from the side which won 3-1 at Villa Park. Matt Jansen and Jason McAteer are both cup tied.

Stephane Henchoz (thigh) and Jeff Kenna (ankle) will both need checking.

Kenna missed the Republic of Ireland game in midweek with the problem but is hoping to be fit.

So too is Keith Gillespie, as Rovers face his former club. The winger has had an ankle injury and missed two games but looks like getting the all clear for Sunday.

Although there have not been any developments over Liverpool full back Rob Jones, as far as Rovers are concerned, West Ham have hit a financial snag in their hopes of signing him.

Hammers chief executive Peter Storrie said: "We have already spent more than we received for John Hartson and at the moment we are not in the market for anybody else."

Manager Harry Redknapp may have to wait for summer, when Jones will be available on a free transfer, and hope no-one else, like Rovers, moves in.

"I don't want to rule out a move for him, but we have reached a bit of a stalemate at the moment," said Redknapp.

Garry Flitcroft has had an arthroscope to check on his knee following surgery before Christmas. The midfielder's recovery has not been as quick as had been hoped but the check has shown that operation was a complete success.

Originally, Flitcroft was hoping to start his playing comeback this month but time is now running out for him to make a serious challenge for a first team place this season.

"It has taken longer to heal than we thought but the important thing is that it has healed," said physio Mark Taylor.

The few remaining tickets out of Rovers' allocation for Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie at Newcastle will stay on sale only until 11am tomorrow, subject to availability. It is an all-ticket game and there will not be any available on the day of the match.

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