Kean dismisses Givet gossip

Steve Kean, the Blackburn manager, has scotched rumours that a contract clause has been the reason why Gael Givet has been absent from recent Rovers line ups.

Givet, who had to undergo heart surgery in December, hasn't made a first team appearance since being sent off in Rovers 7-1 defeat at Arsenal in February.

There had been rumours that the Frenchman would be entitled to a new contract if he continued to appear for the Lancashire outfit.

Kean has cited the form of Grant Hanley as a key reason for the 30 year olds absence.

'There is not a thing in it,' said the Scot 'Gael Givet signed a contract last year and it was a fresh contract.

'There is no automatic extensions and that is not a factor why Gael is not playing.

'It's the emergence of Grant Hanley and that Gael's little hamstring injury took a bit longer than we thought to clear up.

'There is no truth in any of that.

'He is back, looking fresh and bright and it is always good to have a fit Gael Givet in the squad. He is the sort of character we want. He is a real warrior.'

@georgepowell8