RAY Harford was in Scotland last night, with Aberdeen defender Gary Smith a possible transfer target for the Blackburn Rovers boss, writes PETER WHITE.

Harford watched the Motherwell-Aberdeen game at Fir Park and it is believed he made the trip for a personal check on Smith.

The 24-year-old Scottish under-21 international is out of contract at the end of the season and has rejected a new offer from the Dons.

He looks set to leave Pittodrie, after joining Aberdeen from Falkirk in 1991.

Rovers, as we revealed some time ago, have been keeping close tabs on Aberdeen where another Scottish star Eoin Jess has been the centre of speculation.

But he is a central midfielder and Harford has said that there is a surplus of that type of player at Ewood. There is also an important meeting in Europe coming up soon to discuss Bosman repercussions. That could delay any major transfers.

Comeback star Jason Wilcox is included in the reserve squad for tonight's game away to Manchester United at Old Trafford (7pm). The squad is: Mimms, Gill, Whealing, Coughlan, Marker, Broomes, Morgan, Holmes, Gudmundsson, Holt, Wilcox, Tallon, Beattie, McCrone.

Tickets went on limited sale today for Rovers' home game against Liverpool on Saturday, February 24.

To try to ensure they go to regular Rovers fans, tickets can be bought only on production of a stub from any of this season's home games against Middlesbrough, Tottenham or Bolton.

Seats can be booked by telephone (01254-671666) but applicants will be asked to verify their attendance at one of those games.

Season-ticket holders can also purchase tickets on production of their book.

There will NOT be any tickets available on the day of the game.

Rovers' Away Travel Club are running a Bank Holiday weekend special trip to the Chelsea game - the final Premiership fixture of the season on Saturday, May 4. It follows the success of their weekend trip to QPR and the price includes three nights bed and breakfast in the Tower Thistle Hotel and executive coach travel, departing at 1.30pm Friday, May 3, and returning to Blackburn the following Monday night.

Places are strictly limited and, while available, must be booked at the Away Travel Club office on or before Saturday, February 3, with a £25 deposit. Full cost is £135 for members/spouses and £139 non-members. Balance of the cost is due by April 12. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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