BOBBY Downes is hoping that former Rovers player John Lowey will be able to help him find his way around the Aussie football scene when the pair link up this weekend.

Lowey, who still keeps in touch with Derek Fazackerley, now lives in Brisbane and was one of the first people Ewood's youth development boss was hoping to meet on his arrival in Australia.

Rovers are expanding their efforts in the battle to get the best of the young local talent to sign up at Ewood.

But they are also aware of the potential rewards for spreading their net and Australia has turned out to be quite a source of players for the Premiership.

If things go well, it is also possible Rovers will look at trying to set up links with clubs down under. West Ham have already made similar moves.

"It's a question of looking at the whole scene. Before we try to do anything, we need to know what is going on there as far as youth football is concerned," said Downes before departing.

"It's a question of getting that experience and I am going there with a completely open mind."

DEREK Fazackerley was at Ewood again this week, watching the reserve team beat Leicester 2-1.

'Faz' has been linked with the vacant manager's job at Hartlepool but dismissed speculation that he was about to take charge at the Victoria Ground.

SEATS for the FA Cup fifth round tie against Newcastle at St James's Park on Sunday, February 14 (kick-off 4pm) are currently on sale, price £23 adults, £13 juniors. There are no concessionary prices for senior citizens.

Fans have been warned not to travel without a match ticket as there will not be any seats on sale on the day of the game.

THE Ewood Blues Independent Supporters' Association are running coach travel to all away games and have seats available for the Premiership matches at Chelsea (February 17) and West Ham (February 27).

For more information call 01254-53182.

THERE is no game scheduled for the reserve team in the Pontin's League Premier Division next week.

WINNER of the Rovers Return prize of £1,220 at the Tottenham game was A Smith (Great Harwood), number 111248.

The autographed football winning number was 105879 and the prize can be claimed from the lottery office.

ALREADY on open sale are tickets for the Premiership game at West Ham on Saturday, February 27 (3pm). They are priced £22 adults, £15 juniors and senior citizens. The seats are situated in the Centenary Stand lower tier which is behind one of the goals at Upton Park.

It is unlikely that tickets will be available on the day of the game.

BOTH Academy teams are away to Manchester United next Saturday, February 13, with the kick-off times 11am.

LATEST Double Your Money Club £500 winner is R Shorrock (Blackburn), number 319A.

NO concessions are available from Chelsea for the re-arranged Premiership game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, February 17 (7.45pm). Seats are all one price for visitors, £23, and are situated in the East Stand lower tier, along the side of the pitch.

Tickets will not be available on the day of the game.

TICKETS are now on open sale for the next Premiership home game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, February 20 (3pm).

Category B prices apply with seats £18-25 adults, £10 concessions where applicable. Wednesday have been allocated 2,100 seats in the Darwen End.

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