Big Sam admits Crouch interest

Rovers chief targeted Crouch as Santa Cruz replacement

Last updated: 9th May 2009  

Big Sam admits Crouch interest

Crouch: Blackburn target

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Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has revealed he considered a move for Portsmouth's Peter Crouch during the January transfer window.

Allardyce, who will come up against Crouch in Saturday's clash with Portsmouth at Ewood Park, is a big admirer of the England international and admits he tried to sign him on a number of previous occasions.

Crouch was a target for Blackburn in January as they feared losing Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City at the start of the year, but in the end the Paraguayan ace stayed at Ewood Park meaning Allardyce never pursued his interest in Crouch.

"It was basically a case of if Roque was going I'd have been interested in Peter Crouch," said Allardyce.

"If Portsmouth, in their financial plight were willing to sell, we would have been interested but it never materialised.

"When I was at Bolton I tried to sign him from QPR, then from Aston Villa.

"I told my old chairman at Bolton we were missing out on a very valuable player because he was only £1m at QPR. I saw what a terrific player he was then and I still think that now.

"His record speaks for itself. He's got 16 goals this year plus a one in two record for England.

"But it's not only the goals he scores, it's those he makes."