Hodgson and Clarke endorse Rovers target

Manager Paul Dickov is keen to sign the ex-West Brom defender permanently, but faces competition from home and aboard for his services, although Rovers are in the box seat and hope to tie up a deal shortly.

Dickov has received glowing recommendations from former West Brom bosses coach Roy Hodgson and Steve Clarke regarding Tamas, who can operate at right-back or centre-half, and he is anxious to secure a deal.

Tamas, 30, left The Hawthorns in September.

Dickov said: “He’s somebody we feel would improve the squad massively. He’s a top player who played in the Premier League last year.

“I have spoken to a lot of people about him because you do your research on players and he’s had a few little mishaps over the last couple of years.

“I have spoken to Steve Clarke and Roy Hodgson and the reports we have got back say that if we could sign him, we should take him.

“We’re hopeful, but with the quality of player that he is and the experience he’s got, there’s other clubs interested. If we could sign him, it would be a massive coup for us.”

As well as defence, Dickov’s other main priority is bringing in a new striker on loan, hopefully in time for tomorrow’s game with Wigan Athletic.

Rovers have enquired about a number of forwards, including Hull’s Nick Proschwitz – whose manager Steve Bruce has confirmed their interest – Leicester’s Martyn Waghorn and Nottingham Forest’s Matt Darbyshire.

Dickov said: “The fans, board and myself know there’s a massive need to bring in a striker. We are speaking to three or four clubs about strikers.”

Rovers’ well-documented injury ills are now easing, with Paul Keegan in the fray for tomorrow’s game and Rob Jones back in training.

Jones had sought a second opinion from a specialist after being out since November with a neck injury, with Rovers’ worst fears that he would need a season-ending operation thankfully allayed.

Jones will not be available this weekend, but will step up his comeback in a training-ground game next week.