Blackburn beat Chelsea to Irish starlet

BLACKBURN ROVERS have beaten Chelsea in the race for one of Irish football's brightest young talents.

Republic of Ireland U15 international Gavin Gunning has indicated he's ready to snub the Premiership high-flyers and sign for Rovers after both clubs spent months pursuing the highly-rated teenager.

The 15-year-old is a powerful six foot-plus centre-half, who lists former Arsenal skipper Tony Adams amongst his heroes, and he emerged as a target for Chelsea, Rovers, Manchester United and Arsenal after turning in some impressive performances for Crumlin United in Dublin.