Blues boss Paul Jewell says he’s been impressed with the way Aaron Cresswell has handled the recent speculation regarding his future. Last month, Aston Villa made an enquiry regarding the 22-year-old, who scored Town’s third goal in last night’s 3-1 Capital One Cup victory over Bristol Rovers, but have so far not taken their interest any further.
Jewell said: "We’re not looking to sell him. We’re not looking to sell any of our best players, but we’re always at the mercy of other bids.
"But I think since all the speculation Cressy’s just got his head down. I’ve had one conversation with him that I told you about and it hasn’t been mentioned since as there’s been no need to.”
The Blues boss appeared no nearer to adding to his squad after last night’s match, admitting that he may have to wait until the end of the transfer window to secure the three further signings he is after: "It’s been a really frustrating six weeks for me really, and the club, because we’ve had deals tied up, or we’d thought we had, and for different reasons [they fell down].
"As I said yesterday, there was one player we agreed a fee for and everything, then there was an injury at his club and his manager pulled him back.
"There was another one where the lad’s changed his mind at the last minute. If it could go wrong, it’s gone wrong. But we’ve got to make sure we’re patient and something will fall for us.
"We want players in, we need players in, everyone knows that we need help for the group that we’ve got, but with the transfer window closing on August 31st, it might be that we have to suck it and see for a bit. But I can assure the supporters that we need to strengthen.”
Jewell is happy with his team, it’s the wider squad which is lacking: "I think our first XI is good but the group needs help in certain areas, we need to bolster the squad, that’s a fact.
"When you look at Blackburn’s team it’s packed with Premier League players. It’s going to be totally different to what we’ve encountered so far, but it’s about what we do and if our lads give the effort and show the hunger and desire that they’ve shown since the Southend game, I won’t be able to ask for any more.
"We might be lacking in certain departments and in experience but we won’t be lacking for endeavour.”