McAteer aims to make peace at Rovers

Republic of Ireland's hero Jason McAteer says he is hopeful of settling his differences with Blackburn Rovers and staying at …

Republic of Ireland's hero Jason McAteer says he is hopeful of settling his differences with Blackburn Rovers and staying at the club.

McAteer, who hit a spectacular 68th minute winner in Dublin to leave Ireland clear at the top of qualifying Group Two, has not figured in the Blackburn first-team since April after a bust-up with manager Graeme Souness.

He said: "Maybe I've put myself in the shop window with that goal and my performance for Ireland but, hopefully, things can be resolved at Blackburn."

Although he announced a few weeks ago that he was desperate for a move and has been linked with Tottenham, McAteer added: "Graeme Souness is a nice bloke away from football and perhaps we can get something sorted out.

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"I hope so because I'm in the reserves and it is hard to come from that and play at international level. No disrespect to the lads who play in the reserves but I'm 30 and don't need the technique work any more.

"I've been to one World Cup with Ireland in America seven years ago. It was a great experience and I want to do it again because there's no greater stage but I need first-team football to win my international place regularly."

PA