TONY Parkes today hailed the imminent arrival of Pole star Marek Citko as a triple boost to Blackburn Rovers' battle to avoid the drop.

And Ewood chairman Robert Coar said that the £2.75 million deal need not necessarily mean the end of the spending as they pursue the priority of retaining Premiership status.

Personal terms have still to be agreed with Citko, as well as completing medical and work permit formalities.

But Parkes is keeping his fingers crossed that there are no setbacks, as he believes the 22-year-old's versatility can be a key factor - he's a three-in-one player.

"I wouldn't like to put a label on him, because I feel he can play anywhere across the front line," said the caretaker-manager.

"And that could be very important to us.

"It can make a big difference. "We need competition for places to be stepped up and he can give us that, because he can play right, left or down the centre."

Citko is not a wide player, in the accepted sense of a winger, but Parkes stressed that he would not have to change his system of playing by including him.

At the moment, the three main attackers interchange a lot during the course of a game.

"We could still play in a similar way, which helps," added Parkes.

"There's no doubt that we needed to strengthen the squad in certain positions.

"He is strong and stocky, can take a tackle, and he's quick.

"I was impressed by him when he came to Brockhall for a flying visit."

Once the Citko deal is completed, Rovers will still be monitoring the transfer market, before next month's deadline.

They have reasonable cover in most positions but, if someone becomes available, the resources are there.

Another factor in that equation, however, would be manager-in-waiting Sven Goran Eriksson's thoughts. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Shay Given has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

The young keeper has been suffering from a stomach muscle strain and has had a scan, but surgery is not scheduled at the moment.

Parkes said: "The specialist believes the problem can be solved with rest. Shay won't play in the reserves tomorrow night and, with the break in the fixtures, he has the opportunity to do that.

"Hopefully, it will clear up."

As expected, Ewood trio Colin Hendry, Kevin Gallacher and Billy McKinlay were all included in Scotland coach Craig Brown's squad for next Tuesday's controversial "replay" of their World Cup qualifying tie against Estonia in Monaco.

A delegation of Middlesbrough supporters were due at Lancaster Gate today, to hand in more than 18,000 postcards as part of their campaign against the decision to dock the club three points for failing to fulfil their fixture against Rovers in December.

Boro are appealing to the FA over the punishment and the postcards demand that the decision be reversed "in the name of justice".

Craig Chisholm, one of four young Rovers players to be released at the end of their contracts, is having trials with Carlisle United.

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