Kean scotches Givet rumours

Gael Givet: Blackburn defender has not made a first-team appearance since early February

Steve Kean has dismissed rumours that a contract clause has been the reason for Gael Givet's recent absence from the Blackburn Rovers team.

Givet, who underwent heart surgery in December, has not made a first-team appearance for Rovers since being sent off at Arsenal in early February.

There has been speculation that Givet would be entitled to a new contract at Ewood Park if the 30-year-old continues to feature for Blackburn.

However, Kean insists the form of Grant Hanley and a fitness issue for Givet have led to the French defender's omission from his plans.

Warrior

"There is not a thing in it," said Kean. "Gael Givet signed a contract last year and it was a fresh contract.

"There is no automatic extensions and that is not a factor why Gael is not playing.

"It's the emergence of Grant Hanley and that Gael's little hamstring injury took a bit longer than we thought to clear up.

"There is no truth in any of that.

"He is back, looking fresh and bright and it is always good to have a fit Gael Givet in the squad. He is the sort of character we want. He is a real warrior."