Kean envisages Hoilett battle

21 March 2012 15:47

Blackburn manager Steve Kean admits the current form of Junior Hoilett is likely to attract more interested clubs but he has not given up hope of keeping the forward at Ewood Park.

The 21-year-old put in another man-of-the-match performance with the opening goal in the 2-0 win at home to Sunderland on Tuesday night which lifted Rovers six points clear of relegation. Hoilett's contract expires at the end of the season and despite attempts earlier this season to persuade him to renew it seems likely he will depart in the summer.

Kean knows the Canadian's current form, he scored both goals in a crucial victory at Wolves in their previous match, is only going to attract more interest, and he said: "I don't think we can prevent that. If someone is out of contract, with the way he is playing, week on week there will be more teams."

He added: "We hope we can get ourselves to a position of safety and make him an offer.

"We want him to stay here. He is playing out his skin. If he goes to another club will he play week in week out? I don't know."

Hoilett is revelling in a role behind striker Ayegbeni Yakubu, who scored a late second to wrap up first back-to-back Barclays Premier League victories for 16 months.

Kean believes that partnership up front could be Rovers' route to survival.

"I think he is excited about playing that position," added the manager. "He likes playing wide, especially on the left when he can cut in on his right foot. But when he is playing just off the front he has got good feet, good movement and can provide service for Yak and score himself.

"Yakubu and Hoilett are causing all sorts of problems for centre-backs.

"I think it will be hard not to play that partnership because they are scoring goals and putting each other in."

Source: PA