Fowler: Blackburn chance

He still has what it takes, you never lose your natural ability. He has plenty of that, he has scored goals all his life. It is like riding a bike, you never forget.

Paul Ince on Robbie Fowler.
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Paul Ince believes that striker Robbie Fowler still has the 'natural ability' to perform in the Premier League.

New Blackburn manager Ince has handed his former Liverpool team-mate the chance to earn a contract at Ewood Park.

Fowler will travel to Germany with Rovers for their pre-season training camp after electing to leave Cardiff for the chance of one last shot at the top-flight.

Ince has warned that the Anfield legend will have to prove he is fit and sharp enough to still score goals at the highest level.

The former England international struggled with injuries throughout last season and scored just four league goals in 10 starts for Cardiff.

No commitment

Ince said: "It is a case of Robbie getting his fitness. He picked up a little injury in training on Monday so he did not play at Macclesfield in our friendly that evening, which disappointed him.

"But we will take him to Germany and give him two or three weeks and have a look at him.

"We want to see his sharpness. But he still has what it takes, you never lose your natural ability.

"He has plenty of that, he has scored goals all his life. It is like riding a bike, you never forget.

"Even in the last few years, his goals-per-game ratio has been fantastic. So I will have a look at him, assess his fitness and we will go from there.

"We have made no commitment on Robbie as far as I am concerned, he has the chance to come here to show what he can do. Then I will assess the situation."