Gambian star Jaiteh goes on trial at Blackburn Rovers

11:30am Wednesday 19th November 2008

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GAMBIA midfielder Tijan Jaiteh will get a chance to realise his Premier League dream at Ewood Park after Rovers invited him to Lancashire for a trial.

The SK Brann youngster has attracted the interest of several Premier League clubs but Rovers have become the first to make any official contact, according to the Norwegian outfit.

The 19-year-old impressed watching Rovers’ scouts in Gambia’s 1-1 draw with Senegal in October and is now expected to travel to Lancashire in the next couple of weeks to try and FROM BACK PAGE to earn a permanent switch.

Jaiteh will be the latest of several other foreign players being put through their paces in the lead up to January, including Norwegian Tore Reginiussen, as Rovers look to bolster their depleted squad.

SK Brann director of sports Roald Brunun-Hanssen, said: “We received a fax from Blackburn where it says that they want Tijan over to audition.

“We have discussed the inquiry with Tijan and his adviser, Per-Ove Ludvigsen. We should think a little bit on this, but will take an early decision on whether we allow Tijan to go over.”

The player’s agent Ludvigsen confirmed he would be travelling to Rovers for a trial but admitted the future was still far from clear.

He said: “I do not know what they think, but are informed that they want him on trial. Brann are governing this now.”

Jaiteh was captain of Gambia's international youth team before signing for SK Brann in January 2007. He has competed in the under 20 world cup and made three senior appearances form his country.

Sunderland are also understood to be tracking the youngster but have submitted no official interest as yet.