FRIEDEL ALL CLEAR TO SIGN

BLACKBURN ROVERS have been given the green light to complete the signing of Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel after winning a Department of Employment tribunal to decide whether the American should be granted a work permit.

The US international has found himself out of the picture at Anfield since the signing of Pegguy Arpexhad as number two to Sander Westerveld in the summer.

The 29-year-old was initially denied a permit because he had not played enough games for The Reds, despite being first choice for his country.

However, Rovers manager Graeme Souness told the tribunal that Friedel would be his first choice, and the Department od Employment and Education have ruled in favour of Blackburn in the tribunal, and he is expected to complete the move over the weekend.

"We have been given the go-ahead to proceed with the transfer," said chief executive John Williams. "Subject to the usual medical checks, Brad should soon become a Rovers player."

Souness added: "We have been given the go-ahead to proceed with the transfer. Subject to the usual medical checks, Brad should soon become a Rovers player."

Meanwhile, on-loan Rovers youngster Ben Burgess scored a hat-trick within the space of 12 minutes for Northern Spirit in their 4-2 in over Auckland Kingz, in a game which saw the 18-year-old's parents watch him for the first time.

Click here to read our earlier story, Rovers Waiting On Friedel Decision