Allardyce on Santa Cruz control

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The Paraguay international's comments cast a shadow over the 3-0 victory Rovers secured against Stoke at Ewood Park - their first win since September 27.

But the former Bolton boss, who only signed a three-year-contract to replace the sacked Paul Ince on Wednesday, said he would not let it affect his celebrations, saying; "Did it bother me today? No. Is it going to affect my night out? No. Will it bother me tomorrow? Yes."

He added: "I will sit down and see what the situation is. We will deal with it professionally very quickly.

"I think there is an issue but it is not going to be resolved tonight. It is not going to detract from a night out with a good friend on his 60th birthday."

Santa Cruz was ruled out of the match after injuring a calf in training on Friday and that did little to improve Allardyce's mood after the player's revelations.

All season Santa Cruz has been linked with a move to Manchester City to be reunited with Mark Hughes, the man who signed him for Rovers last season.

Allardyce was asked whether he would consider selling the former Bayern Munich striker, valued at between £15-20million.

"I have no idea. You keep asking me questions I don't want to answer now because I want to have a good night out," he said.

"Roque Santa Cruz is not a key focus for me tonight. The players and their performance and the fact we have got three points on the board and have done very well is the most important thing."