BLACKBURN Rovers were mystified today over reports that West Ham's controversial Israeli star is claiming he was a target for racial abuse in the cup clash at Upton Park nine days ago.

And the Football Association today revealed that Kevin Gallallacher's appeal against his dismissal for the off-the-ball incident with Berkovic had failed.

Both Berkovic and West Ham manager Harry Redknapp have been extensively quoted, pointing the finger at Rovers players.

But Ewood chief executive John Williams was stunned by the allegations which he said had come "completely out of the blue".

Mr Williams said: "We have had no contact from West Ham whatsoever, either officially or unofficially.

"And in all the work we did to prepare Kevin Gallacher's appeal, this subject was never even mentioned.

"We don't have a view on it because, as far as we know, there is nothing to view."

The FA also confirmed that no complaint had been received from West Ham.

Berkovic's claims, and Gallacher's ban, will only step up the tension when the teams meet in Wednesday's replay at Ewood.

Gallacher will miss three matches, starting against Leicester on Saturday.

A spokesman for the FA said they had studied the evidence and had ruled there was no case for asking referee Peter Jones to review his decision.

Rovers remain in the market for another striker but, despite much speculation, nothing has happened yet.

Southampton's Egil Ostenstad's name continues to crop up and Rovers made an inquiry for the Norwegian last summer. But both clubs continue to deny a deal is pending. Saints boss David Jones also dismissed a report that he was ready to sign transfer-listed Lars Bohinen, which might have paved the way for a swap deal.

"It's not true," he said. "We have had a look at him, of course, as we have many other players. But, at this moment in time, there is nothing in it." Southampton, however, have been trying to sign another striker which could make Ostenstad surplus to their requirements. Rovers will no doubt monitor the situation, as they have been doing with Pierluigi Casiraghi at Lazio and Parma's Hernan Crespo.

Those targets, however, look more long term.

A report that Rovers are moving in for Cameroon striker Marc-Vivien Foe, who plays for Lens, seems to be unfounded.

Meanwhile, Rovers boss Roy Hodgson has virtually written off any lingering hopes of catching leaders Manchester United in the championship race.

"Eleven points behind Manchester United would suggest it's going to take some sort of miracle for us to overtake them," he said.

The manager couldn't disguise his disappointment at Southampton on Saturday and not only with the result. He had justificable complaints about the first two goals but added: "That doesn't excuse the fact that we conceded the third which I thought was the worst piece of defending from our side during the course of the game."

Hodgson also shrugged off Martin Dahlin's actions in going straight to the dressing room after being substituted.

"Some players decide they want to go straight in and have a shower, some sit on the bench," said the manager.

"Basically speaking it's of no importance to me whether players like being taken off or don't. That's the nature of the business. You expect some people to show more solidarity with their colleagues and, on this occasion, Dahlin hasn't done so. But, as far as I am concerned, it is water off a duck's back."

Rovers A won 3-1 at Burnley on Saturday. James Thomas, Ciaran Ryan and an own goal made up the scorers. The B team hammered Marine Youth 5-0, with goals from Paddy Connolly (2), Steve Hawe, Michael Lawless and Jon Topley.

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