Blackburn Rovers

THE ESSENTIAL

Morten Gamst Pedersen admits Blackburn are in Premier League peril, but is backing them to respond positively to their mauling by Arsenal.

Blackburn striker Yakubu has called on the club's supporters to give manager Steve Kean a break and get behind the team.

Blackburn Rovers manager once again used statistics as he tried to defend his side's poor performance at Stoke. After going down 3-1 at the Britannia Stadium, Kean said of the performance: "I wouldn't put it down as unacceptable. I would agree the third goal is poor but to come to a place like this and create 15 chances and get 10 on target should be enough to get you something from the game."

Yakubu has backed Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean and said that the players are desperate to ease the pressure on him. The Rovers striker said: "We just have to stick together and do our job. In the end those fans will be with us again. The pressure isn't on the team when you're losing, it is always going to be put on the manager. All the players are behind Steve Kean. When he talks to us in training, we are impressed. It's our job to go out there and win - and that's all we focus on."

The owners of Blackburn Rovers have called for fans to get behind manager Steve Kean for the good of their season.

Phil Brown has confirmed that El Hadji Diouf is training with Preston following his release from Blackburn. However, he has said that it's highly unlikley Diouf will join Preston.

Blackburn Rovers starlet Junior Hoilett is believed to be closing in on a new long-term contract at Ewood Park. The 21-year-old Canadian has been at the club since he was 13 and manager Steve Kean said: "We've virtually agreed a very long-term deal."

Sven Goran-Eriksson has denied reports that Sol Bamba will leave his Leicester City side to join Blackburn Rovers. The 26-year-old Ivorian is on the radar at Ewood Park as they look to replace Phil Jones.

Stockport County have signalled their intent to win the Blue Square Premier by offering a deal to Benjani. The Zimbabwean striker is out of contract at Blackburn and has been training with County.

The new Blackburn owners, Venky's, have insisted that there will be signings soon as they look to appease fans who are eager to see some movement in the transfer market.