McAteer ready to leave Ewood

Thursday, 21 June 2001 07:48

Blackburn midfield player Jason McAteer is eyeing a move away from Ewood Park after questioning whether he has a future with the club. The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international found his first-team opportunities limited towards the end of the season as Rovers regained their Premiership status after a two-year absence.

And McAteer, who joined the club from Liverpool in January 1999, believes he will be struggling to establish himself in Graeme Souness' side next season.

"I've had a talk with the manager. Obviously I'd like to be playing for Blackburn next season - but it doesn't look like I am," McAteer told SkySports.com TV. "So whether that means I've got a future or not I don't know."

The former Bolton player does not want to leave Blackburn but believes he may be forced to look elsewhere. When asked whether he believes he will have to leave Ewood Park to get first team football, McAteer replied: "Yeah. I don't want to go - I've got two years left on my contract and I'd love to play for Blackburn."

"I'd love to play in the Premiership again with them. I've battled two years to help them get back up there. It would be disappointing to leave now."

Filed by Sinéad Kissane