The Rovers Return

The Rovers Return has been qouted in a report on the progress of Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo for goal.com
Here it is:

On-loan Chelsea striker Franco di Santo has quickly made an impression on the Blackburn Rovers staff and supporters, according to one fan.

Dan Clough, journalist and writer behind Blackburn fansite The Rovers Return, believes that after scoring his first goal for the club, against arch rivals Burnley on Sunday, the 20-year-old striker has already endeared himself to the Ewood Park faithful.

“After Sunday he’s a hero,” Clough said.

“Scoring against Burnley means he is part of Rovers’ history. We were chanting his name, so I think we like him.

“He’s skilful, quick, good on the ball and likes to take defenders on. His height is also an advantage as he’s useful with his head as well.

“Manager Sam Allardyce has been selecting his squad around the in-form David Dunn playing in the hole behind a lone striker, and it appears he enjoys playing with Dunn.”

Di Santo has had to wait for his opportunity to impress under Allardyce. He was a substitute for the first few games of the season, and his first start – against Sunderland – ended abruptly after a 13th-minute injury.

But, after getting a full game in his side’s victory against Aston Villa, the 6ft 4in Argentine has started successive games against Arsenal and Burnley, and put in increasingly impressive performances.

“He’s not featured all that often until recently,” Clough agreed.

“Jason Roberts was preferred early on but he’s recently been dropped and Di Santo has taken his place. He’s a real handful and excellent on the ball, as well as being very quick.

“He was a constant thorn in the Burnley defence’s side on Sunday and capped it off with a crucial goal.”

That goal, and a clever assist he also provided for Dunn, earned the youngster a rousing reception when he was withdrawn, and Di Santo himself seems to have settled in well in the north-west.

“I am very happy at Blackburn,” he said this week.

“I am very happy to be here because the manager has given me the opportunity to play, to improve and gain experience and I hope to get better and better over the next few games.

“I have the ambition to be able to play in every kind of style so if I have problems in certain areas, I want to work harder to fit in with that particular way.”

His temporary manager has also been keen to praise the youngster, who is ineligible for selection when Blackburn travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Allardyce believes after his recent performances Di Santo, who is expected to hold talks with Carlo Ancelotti later this week, will certainly be heading back to Chelsea when his loan expires in January.

“The lad is learning his trade and now he knows he can score in the Premier League,” Allardyce said.

“He waited for his chance and now he is grasping it.

“As long as he continues to do what he is doing it will be good for him and for us and for Chelsea. We will have to replace him in January – either from within or in the market.”

Di Santo will be a welcome returnee for the Blues, especially as Ancelotti will be without Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou for much of January and February as they head off to the African Cup of Nations.

But Di Santo doesn’t want to find himself left on the bench when both Ivory Coast internationals return from Angola.

“If I go back to Chelsea I will try my best but if I stay here [at Blackburn] I will continue my education,” Di Santo said.

“I hope to get back to Chelsea and play, if I go back and don’t play, it is less good for me.”

Blackburn fans are also hoping Di Santo is allowed to extend his loan, but accept that such an outcome is unlikely considering Chelsea’s situation.

“I personally would love him to stay, and I’m sure all other Rovers fans would as well,” Clough added.

“Unfortunately it looks like he’ll head back to Chelsea as cover with Drogba away on international duty.

“He seems popular with the players and he’s a hit with the fans, as well as stating his desire to stay, but with the transfer embargo in place, I can’t see us hanging on to him.”