Blackburn release defensive duo

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has begun his summer clear-out by revealing veteran centre-back Craig Short and Swedish defender Nils-Eric Johansson are to leave the club.

Both players were out of contract this summer but had hoped to be given a new deal by Hughes but the Welshman has decided they do not fit into his plans.

His decision means that Short’s last game for Blackburn was the home defeat by Fulham when he was sent off for pushing Luis Boa Morte.