Premier League preview: Blackburn Rovers still looking for that Crown jewel to take them up a level

When Big Sam is finding it hard to work a bit of magic in the transfer market then business must be slow. The Rovers boss has been grumbling about the lack of talent for sale, suggesting the days of luring Okocha, Hierro, Djorkaeff etc to the Premier League have been hit by changes in the currency and tax rates. After a late burst secured a top 10 finish in May, Allardyce will keep searching for a gem to hoist Blackburn further up the Premier League and continue to resurrect his own reputation, battered at Newcastle. Rovers return: Blackburn's late surge earned them a top 10 finish last time out Boss's toughest jobTeaching an old squad new tricks. Allardyce doesn't have the depth of talent to rotate players, so he'll have to keep an ageing side well-oiled. Hiccup on horizonSignings like El-Hadj Diouf haven't proved popular and the boss is in danger of building a squad his fans don't like much. Potential to spiral down the table which would be a nightmare. The numbers game2 - The number of years since Blackburn last had a winning start to a campaign110 - Substitutes used by Rovers, more than any other team last season 59% - The percentage of goals scored from set pieces last season Alternative sponsorHaydock racecourse Because there's nothing Big Sam likes more than hoofing Ins/Outs In - Mame Biram Diouf (Man Utd, loan) Out - Steven Reid (West Brom, free), Andy Haworth (Bury, free), Marcus Marshall (Rotherham, free), Yildiray Basturk (released) Loan Rover: Sam Allardyce pulled off a coup by landing Mame Biram Diouf on loan Keep an eye out forAnthony O'Connor Age: 17 Position: Defender Tall and classy, the Republic of Ireland centre back is a regular for U18s at club and country level. Fan's viewNigel Lund: A proven goalscorer is a must. I'm pretty confident, though. If we sort out the away form I think we could be tasting steak pudding in Europe next season. Fans' websitewww.blackburn.vitalfootball.co.uk Sportsmail's lowdown on all the Premier League teams