Kean confident of January funds

Many people expected conversations between executives of the Indian company and their manager this week to centre around Kean's position, but not so according to the man himself. Instead, the Scot presented his list of transfer targets to help relieve an injury crisis that has robbed him of Ryan Nelsen, Scott Dann, Martin Olsson and Gael Givet, while goalkeeper Paul Robinson is also a doubt for the Boxing Day clash at Liverpool. Weakness in defence has been at the centre of Blackburn's struggles, with bottom-of-the-table Rovers failing to keep a clean sheet all season and shipping 38 goals in 17 games. "We spoke about the transfer window and the need to get defenders in and just where we are," said Kean. "It was a very positive conversation. It wasn't a case where there was just positions discussed, it was names. "I told them I think we can get these players and let's push on and get them in the early part of the window so we can have a good amount of bodies and good competition for places once the other lads get out of the treatment room. "We talk about what I feel is the most important things. The conversations have mostly been about players' health and players coming in." Kean has had to endure ever more vociferous protests from fans calling for his head and has also acted as a lightning rod for anger at the role of Venky's, who have done little to take the heat off the Scot. He had no complaints, though, saying: "I think they are aware (of the atmosphere). They watch the games, if not live then a few hours after. They read all the newspapers and all forms of the media. "They're being supportive to me. Anytime I ask for a player I normally get them, so that's good support." Michel Salgado has been badly missed, with midfielders Jason Lowe and Morten Gamst Pedersen currently playing as emergency full-backs, and Kean insisted the Spaniard could come back into contention over the festive period. Salgado was quoted in the local press this week saying he had been given time off when he wanted to play, with the story fuelling reports of financial problems at the club. But Kean insisted the 36-year-old, who will not be offered a new contract when his current deal runs out in the summer, was given the break to pursue a possible opportunity in Spain. "He's got every chance of playing," said Kean. "He's got a contract that's still in place. We were a bit disappointed with the way that was reported because we thought we were giving Michel the respect to go back (home). "He's got one unique opportunity that might open up for him just after the transfer window's closed but he would have to qualify it now. "When you tell an experienced player that their contract is not going to be renewed after this season, if there is an opportunity and they want to move on in the window, we gave him the respect to let him go back and sort that out." On paper, Rovers' chances of taking anything from their next two games look slim, with Monday's trip to Anfield followed by another away game at Manchester United. But, although Liverpool are unbeaten at home this season, they have drawn five of their eight matches, including against Swansea and Norwich, and Kean sees no reason why Blackburn cannot follow suit. He said: "It will be a really big ask for us to get something, but why not? Other teams have gone there this season not expecting to get anything and have come away with something, so there is a possibility to get a result. "It's a very famous and intimidating ground. There's lots of good football been played there over the years and I've always been a fan of the way Liverpool have played. "Since Kenny (Dalglish) has gone back in again, the fans have got behind them, which has been massive for the club," Kean added pointedly.