Bentley Missing As Ince Wins On Blackburn Debut

The game marked Paul Ince’s first as manager of Rovers, though attentions were firmly set on the ongoing saga of Bentley’s future, with his absence heightening speculation that he is set for a move away from the club.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be leading the race for the England international, with the Lancashire Evening Post claiming that a deal had already been struck, though Ince admitted after the match that Aston Villa had also submitted a bid.

The player always looked likely to move despite the change in manager, citing his desire to play in Europe on a regular basis in order to make the right berth of England’s midfield his own.

Should the former Arsenal man complete a transfer away from Lancashire, Ince is likely to receive the majority of the money to finance his own moves in the transfer market.

On the pitch, Rovers overcome their manager’s former club 2-0, with goals from David Dunn and Paul Gallacher seeing off the League Two side.

Bentley may not be the only player to leave Lancashire for Villa Park, with the game looking likely to be Brad Friedel’s last as Martin O’Neill looks to recruit a replacement for Scott Carson, who returned to Liverpool after his loan spell.

The club’s faithful would be loathe to lose both players, particular Friedel who has been a loyal servant to the club during his eight-year spell.

William Wood