Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has firmly dismissed rumours linking Birmingham City winger Patrick Roberts with a move to his side in the current transfer window, stating he does not expect such a deal to materialise.
Mowbray quashes reunion hopes
Mowbray, who coached Roberts for 18 months during their time together at Sunderland, was asked about a potential reunion at his press conference on Thursday. He responded bluntly: "No, I don't think so."
"Again, I think it's all speculation. I'm not sure who it is. I see those things and I don't know where they come from, to be honest," Mowbray added.
The Rovers boss emphasised his commitment to transparency: "I can only be honest and tell you as I am, hopefully, all the time. I don't see any benefit in me playing games with you and with the supporters."
Speculation dismissed as baseless
Mowbray further clarified that he would not engage with unsubstantiated rumours, saying: "When something's going to happen, we'll tell you, I'm pretty sure. I don't do most things like speculation. You never know where these things come from, whether it's an agent, whether it's the media itself and thinks it creates a story. I've got no idea."
He concluded: "What I would say is it's not something that I would anticipate or expect to happen."
Davies confirms Roberts remains in Blues' plans
Mowbray's comments came on the same day Birmingham City manager Chris Davies made it clear that Roberts, 29, is still part of his plans for the season. Roberts has been an unused substitute in the Blues' last seven matches, dating back to last season, due to the strong form of Carlos Vicente.
Davies said: "I've got a good relationship with Patrick, we go back a long way to the Celtic days. I know him really well."
"There's just been situations in games where he's just been unfortunate where I've maybe put Ethan on to close a game out – and Ethan's done a great job in those situations," Davies explained.
"Patrick is a fantastic player. He was fantastic for us in the early part of last season and he's a player that I value, and he's absolutely part of the plans."
Davies added: "I'm sure with the amount of games that we've got coming up there will be plenty of game-time for him."
