Andrews bids to leave Blackburn

Keith Andrews last night attempted to force a deadline day move from Blackburn by handing in a transfer request.

The Republic of Ireland international, whose contract expires in the summer, spent the first half of the season on loan at Championship side Ipswich after falling out of favour at Ewood Park.

Andrews does not feature in the long-term plans of Blackburn manager Steve Kean and Portman Road boss Paul Jewell has made little secret of the fact he would like to re-sign the 31-year-old who impressed hugely during his spell at Portman Road.

A deal had yet to materialise and with the transfer window closing tonight the former Wolves, Hull City and MK Dons player has taken matters into his own hands by asking for a move.

Today is a crucial day for Andrews. He knows he needs to be playing regular club football to keep his place in Ireland’s team for Euro 2012, particularly as Darron Gibson, a potential rival in midfield, will now be doing just that having moved to Everton from Manchester United earlier this month.

But with Rovers still far from safe in the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Kean will want to keep depth in his squad in case of injuries or suspension.