Blackburn boss Paul Ince has reassured Zurab Khizanishvili that he still has a future at Ewood Park.
Georgian defender has part to play at Ewood Park
Blackburn boss Paul Ince has reassured Zurab Khizanishvili that he still has a future at Ewood Park.
The Georgian defender looked to be on his way out of the club having fallen down Rovers' pecking order over the past couple of seasons, with Ince's appointment in the summer doing little to improve his situation.
However, having started against Chelsea last weekend and having retained his place for Wednesday's Carling Cup defeat of Sunderland, it would appear Khizanishvili has played his way back into Ince's thoughts.
West Ham are rumoured to be keeping an eye on the 27-year-old's situation but for the moment at least, Ince has no intention of allowing a player under contract until 2011 to leave.
"Kish has come in, he doesn't say a word, he trains. He is a fantastic professional," Ince told the
Lancashire Telegraph.
"He trains like he wants to be in the side. You don't want players to train in a sulk because they are not going to get in the team.
Model pro
"Kish is not like that, Aaron Mokoena is not like that either. He is a great pro and you need that.
"We have got to keep him. We are getting so many injuries and are not in a situation where we can really bring in other players.
"I think Kish is a very, very good player. He is vice captain for Georgia and when he has come in he has done ever so well."
Another squad man Ince is keen to keep at the club is South African midfielder Mokoena.
"I felt I would have a look at Zurab. He did well against Everton and again did ever so well against Chelsea for his first full game and again on Wednesday, as did Aaron," Ince added.
"Of course they are going to be frustrated. But you don't want them to sulk, you want them to get on with it. You have to have those players in the team."
