Page 50 - Billy Sharp News Today

Blues keeper Bartosz Bialkowski says his first international call by Poland was a dream come true and fulfilled a promise made to his late father in their final conversation. The 30-year-old was named in the squad for the friendlies against Nigeria and South Korea later this month on Friday.

Town manager Paul Jewell says he has made no contact with either Marlon King’s agent or Coventry City regarding the controversial striker. One of this morning’s papers claimed the Blues were eyeing the Jamaican international frontman.

As the final World Cup qualifiers near, Americans abroad have been working diligently to reach their maximum potential.

Boss Paul Jewell says that if there’s a possibility of signing loan midfielder Jimmy Bullard on a permanent basis from Hull City in the summer, Town would look at it. However, the Town manager admitted that with the 32-year-old having two years remaining on his £45,000-a-week contract, the financial side of a deal is a potential stumbling block.

Reading FC star striker Lucas Joao has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Month award for Febraury.

A frustrating week for Ipswich Town ended with a 1-1 draw at Morecambe, but Blues captain Sam Morsy has seen enough from the last two games to believe that the Blues can still finish in the top six.

ROVERS are back in action as they take on Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United in a battle of the roses.

Connor Wickham hit his first senior hat-trick as Town continued their resurgence under Paul Jewell with a 6-0 destruction of Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium, the Blues’ first ever win on Rovers turf. Sam Hird’s 25th minute own goal set the Blues on their way with Wickham subsequently netting his three, the last a penalty, and Colin Healy and Gareth McAuley one each.

Town boss Paul Jewell says he’s unlikely to emulate his predecessor Roy Keane and make widespread changes to his team for this evening’s game at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium (KO 7.45pm). Skipper David Norris is out injured and the Blues manager is weighing up whether one or two players might need a rest after a hectic schedule in recent weeks.

ROVERS will be looking to return to winning ways in the Championship when they take on Steve Bruce’s West Brom.