Emerton rules out Australian trips

By James Pearson  

Emerton rules out Australian trips

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BLACKBURN ROVERS new-boy Brett Emerton has attempted to fend-off a potential club versus country row by hinting he will only playing in Australia's European-based matches.

The Oceania-based side have a number of friendlies in the coming year, but Emerton will only make long-haul flights for competitive contests.

Leeds United have been hampered in the past when Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka have been unavailable for selection, but Graeme Souness is unlikely to encounter similar problems this season.

"Our next competitive games will be World Cup qualifiers and they are over a year away, so there shouldn't be a problem this season," explained Emerton.

"I definitely want to be involved in the games in Europe, but that won't be a problem."

Meanwhile, the Ewood Park side are believed to be monitoring the progress of West Brom's transfer-listed striker Jason Roberts.

With Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole failing to impressing during the close-season, Souness is keeping his keeping tabs on the pacey Hawthorns hit-man.

The Baggies reluctantly accepted Roberts's request to leave to the club in the summer, but as yet many sides have been put off by their £4 million price tag.