Blackburn to choose between England star and World Cup cult hero as Championship side eye new goalkeeper

BLACKBURN have two top choices in their pursuit of a new shot stopper.

The Championship outfit will fall back on a World Cup cult hero if they don't land their current target.

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Blackburn are hoping to sign John Ruddy, 37, after he confirmed his exit from Birmingham City earlier this week.

And if they fail to get a deal over the line for the one-time England international then they will turn to veteran Dutch keeper Tim Krul.

Ruddy had been with Birmingham since 2022, but called time on his spell at St Andrews on Wednesday with his contract due to expire today.

The experienced goalkeeper managed 11 clean sheets in 44 Championship appearances for the Blues last term, but ultimately saw his side fall to relegation.

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However Blackburn will face stiff competition for the former Norwich keeper.

Luton Town’s Tim Krul, 36, could fancy a better crack at first-team action with John Eustace.

Krul failed to register a single Premier League appearance for the Hatters last season, playing second fiddle to Thomas Kaminski.

He will forever go down in World Cup history for his penalty shootout heroics in 2014.

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The then-Newcastle gloveman was substituted at the death to replace Jasper Cillessen, with Louis van Gaal preferring his ability to stop spot kicks.

And the decision paid off with Krul saving two efforts from 12 yards to send the Netherlands through ahead of Costa Rica.

Blackburn's goalkeeper situation still remains uncertain with Aynsley Pears and Leopold Wahlstedt battling it out for the number one spot last season.

Wahlstedt managed 21 appearances in the league last term, while Pears stood between the sticks 26 times.

There will be hope that the Rovers can be more settled at the back next term.

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