Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean open to re-signing Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz

FA Cup: Roque Santa Cruz, Blackburn Rovers v Coventry City (PA)

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Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has refused to rule out the possibility of signing Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz on a permanent basis.

The Paraguayan struggled for form and fitness after rejoining the club on-loan in January, a fact Kean is only too aware of.

“It was tough for Roque,” Kean told BBC Radio Lancashire.

“He picked up a couple of knocks that niggled away at him. It was just difficult for him to get to full speed quickly enough.”

Despite failing to find the back of the net in 10 appearances since returning to the club, Kean believes the forward showed his quality in training sessions.

“Being around the place and showing his quality every day in training, he showed us how good he is,” he said.

“It was just difficult because he’s been out so long that he wasn’t at full speed quick enough to give us the impact on the pitch in the games that he played.”

The Scot is also hoping to sign Mame Biram Diouf and Jermaine Jones, who have also returned to their respective parent clubs following loan spells.

“We have to respect the parent clubs,” Kean added.

“When the lads came on loan we tried to fix prices straight away and we couldn’t do that.

“Now the loan periods are up, we’ll be in contact with those clubs and see if they are available first and foremost.

“And, if they are and we have got the funds to pursue, that is something we can take a view on.”