Rory Fallon News Today

Third-placed Town return to action following the international break when they face a Blackburn Rovers side struggling for wins under new manager John Eustace at Ewood Park live on Sky on Good Friday, but boss Kieran McKenna warns that the Lancastrians have been far from easy to beat under their incoming boss (KO 5.30pm).

TWTD understands that former Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Charlton and West Brom winger Jerome Thomas is training with the Blues.

Town are one of four clubs in the hunt for Swindon striker Charlie Austin. Blackpool, Burnley and Southampton are understood to be the other sides interested in the 21-year-old, who looks set to leave the County Ground before the weekend.

Striker Rory Fallon’s loan spell has been cut short and he has returned to Plymouth Argyle. The New Zealander was due to remain with the Blues until January 22nd with terms regarding a permanent move provisionally agreed between the clubs.

Caretaker-manager Ian ‘Charlie’ McParland says Town’s coaches and players were shocked to hear of manager Roy Keane’s sacking when they arrived at Playford Road this morning. McParland will take charge of a much-weakened Blues side in the FA Cup at Chelsea on Sunday with midfielder Jake Livermore also now ruled out of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Town defender Tommy Smith was forced off injured as New Zealand and Peru drew 0-0 in the first leg of their World Cup qualification play-off in Wellington overnight.

Town centre-half Tommy Smith says New Zealand are “quietly confident” they can cause an upset and defeat Peru in their World Cup play-off to claim a place at next summer’s finals in Russia. Smith and Blues youngster Monty Patterson are both in the All Whites squad for the two-legged tie.

Fabian Wilnis saw red for the fourth time in his Town career and for the third time against Plymouth as the Blues drew 1-1 at Home Park. Alan Lee put Town in front in the second minute, but the Pilgrims hit back through a controversial Sylvan Ebanks-Blake penalty late on.

Any tweaks? We really have had some dross at times havent we (5-2-1-2 formation) Will Norris Jordan Spence Josh Earl Darren ODea Ivar Ingimarsson Zeki Fryers Jonathan Douglas Giles&#133

Town are still waiting to make the first addition of the summer with no deal set to be confirmed this afternoon, despite a report of a signing being close earlier today.