TIM Flowers is hoping for a triple celebration when he faces the Premiership's hot-shot table-toppers Newcastle United at St James's Park tonight.

The Blackburn Rovers keeper has already been cheered by his recall to the England squad.

And he is about to make his 100th senior appearance for Rovers tonight, with the praise of manager Ray Harford and Newcastle keeper Shaka Hislop ringing in his ears.

A rare clean sheet against the team tipped to take over Rovers' mantle of champions would complete a very special hat-trick.

"I think Tim is playing really well at the moment. He's on top form for me," said Harford, as he prepared his squad for Rovers' toughest domestic test so far this season.

And Hislop added: "There's no doubt in my mind that, over the past two or three seasons, Flowers has been the best goalkeeper in the country."

The manager, who has a few knocks to check before finalising his team, also revealed that he believes Graeme Le Saux, who joins Alan Shearer and Flowers in the England squad, is now ready to be considered for a full recall after injury.

Le Saux could well return at left back which may mean a new role for Jeff Kenna. But Harford has no worries about what he asks the versatile former Southampton star to do.

He said: "Jeff Kenna has been terrific. He has done really well and looked really solid for us.

"We are lucky to have him. It doesn't matter where he's playing, he's just happy to be in the team. That's the type of lad he is."

Harford will also consider giving Billy McKinlay his first start. Rovers are expected to choose from: Flowers, Berg, Hendry, Pearce, Kenna, Ripley, Sherwood, Batty, Bohinen, Shearer, Newell, Le Saux, Sutton, McKinlay, Marker, Holmes, Mimms.

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan, who hopes to have Keith Gillespie fit and could name an unchanged side, rapped a weekend story claiming the leaders were to sign Alan Shearer as untrue.

Rovers Reserves went down 2-1 away to Derby last night and there were no complaints from Terry Darracott. Derby were 2-0 ahead at half time but Rovers, including new signing Graham Fenton, improved after the break. Pressure in the last 25 minutes brought a late consolation goal for Wayne Gill, put through by Chris Malone.

Ewood youngster Marlon Broomes has been named in the England squad for the preliminary rounds of the UEFA under-18 mini-tournament against Sweden and Latvia from November 14-18. A squad of 18 has been named, though it will be reduced to 16.

Rovers keeper Shay Given is in the Republic of Ireland squad for the European Under-21 Championship qualifier in Portugal next Tuesday.

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