BLACKBURN Rovers are facing a tricky task in tempting hot goalkeeping property Shay Given to sign a generous new contract.

And that is delaying the offer of a new deal to number one choice Tim Flowers.

Given, the subject of a strong bid from Sunderland where he spent a successful spell on loan last season, is currently with the Republic of Ireland side in the United States.

Rovers have told Roker boss Peter Reid that Given is simply not for sale, with a reported £2 million bid already rejected.

But the 20-year-old sensation is keen to secure a first team place in the Premiership. He said: "It's obviously my ambition to play regularly at the top level, now that I'm in the Irish team.

"At Blackburn my chances are limited because, although they have given Bobby Mimms a free transfer and I am the number two keeper now, I still have Tim Flowers in front of me.

"I really enjoyed my time at Sunderland last season and I'm hoping they come in for me again.

"I know Peter Reid is keen to buy me and I'm very flattered by that and equally keen to go."

Rovers want Given's future clarified before negotiating a new deal with Flowers. And they are keen to retain the highest quality back-up for their first choice keeper and have made Given, who has a year on his contract left to run, an attractive offer.

There is also a strong school of thought that he needs more time to mature into his trade.

But Given's progress - considering he was snapped up on a free transfer after being released by Celtic - has been remarkable.

New Irish boss Mick McCarthy has certainly been impressed by the 20-year-old who has grabbed his opportunity with both hands following a back injury to regular number one Alan Kelly.

Packie Bonner, who is now the squad's goalkeeping coach, set an Irish record of 78 caps and the manager believes Given has many similar qualities.

McCarthy said: "He is the best young keeper I have ever seen - without a doubt."

"Around the squad he is quiet and unassuming just like Packie was when he was number one.

"But on the field he is just as commanding as Packie, the man we called the 'Screamer from Donegal', was.

"You get clues about people from the respect they are given by the other players and Shay has already earned that.

"I'm not giving away any secrets when I say that he will go straight into our World Cup team against Lichtenstein in August."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.