Sam Allardyce has confirmed Christian
Vieri is training with Blackburn in a bid to resurrect his career -
but admits he is "out of condition".
The Italian striker has been without a club since
being released by Atalanta in April but has now linked up with the
rest of the Rovers squad for the start of
pre-season.
Allardyce accepts that he needs to work on his fitness and there
is no indication that a deal could be close.
However, the manager has been impressed by the 35-year-old's
attitude and is happy to keep his options open.
"He is obviously out of condition compared to the rest of the
lads but joining us at this stage of pre-season shows a certain
amount of commitment that he wants to try and play football again,"
Allardyce said on Sky Sports News.
"If he has got that desire and dedication and can adjust to the
physical levels of the Premier League at his tender age of 36 then
we have got a major player on our hands.
"There is no harm in my point of view in watching his progress
and then seeing if there is a situation where we can have him for
next season.
"He also has a desire to try and get in the Italy squad for the
2010 World Cup in South Africa."
Allardyce has conceded that Peter Crouch and Ruud van Nistelrooy
are 'out of Blackburn's reach' but he remains hopeful of signing a
new striker.
He explained: "We are obviously in the market for a striker and
can spend a considerable amount of money to get one.
"That gives you the opportunity to get a younger striker in and
that is what we are looking for.
"At the more mature end, certainly from abroad, you have to be a
bit wary about the back end of their career.
"We will keep our eye open in this country which would be the
best bet from our point of view."
teamtalk