Blackburn goalkeeper Pears 'not for sale' - Ismael

Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears is not for sale, according to head coach Valerien Ismael.

The 27-year-old former Middlesbrough keeper's future has been the subject of speculation but Ismael is adamant he will remain at Ewood Park.

"We have no intention to sell him in this window," the Frenchman told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He was injured and he had an operation. He played with pain and knew we were in a difficult situation with our squad with a lot of injuries and he carried on anyway to help us."

Pears has made 13 appearances for Rovers this season, the last of which was a 2-2 Championship draw with Charlton on 4 January.

"With bodies coming back, he had the possibility to have a breather and assess his injury in the wrist and took the decision to have an operation which took him out for another two or three weeks," added Ismael.

"So you see there is no intention for anyone to leave the club or to sell him."

Blackburn host Watford in the Championship on Saturday (15:00 GMT).