EWOOD exile Alan Kelly believes Blackburn's fat cat image is wrecking his chances of finding himself a new club this summer.

The Republic of Ireland international is desperate for a move to kick-start his flagging career after spending the last six months in limbo on the transfer list.

But, with Rovers yet to receive any firm enquiries for the former Sheffield United stopper's services, Kelly insists potential buyers are being scared off by rumours about his wage demands.

"In terms of myself, I don't think I'm on big wages," said Kelly.

"But, because of what's happened here in the past, the aura of Blackburn Rovers is that they are a very, very high paying club and I think that puts a lot of people off.

"It's a preconception that we're all on twenty grand a week but that couldn't be further from the truth.

"Rumours can sometimes do you a lot of damage in football and I think this is one that doesn't do us justice.

"But people won't realise exactly what's involved unless they enquire and find out the real truth."

Kelly first lost his place at Ewood back in September after a blunder against Sheffield United contributed to a 2-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.

Since then, however, big American Brad Friedel has also arrived on the scene and the Irish international suddenly found himself third choice. That prompted his decision to hand in a transfer request but since then the anticipated interest from other clubs hasn't been forthcoming, despite the fact he's a fully fledged international.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised that no-one has come in for me because I'm an international keeper and I haven't let anyone down," said Kelly.

"But with the European ruling and everything else at the moment, I think a lot of clubs are waiting to see what happens with the transfer system before making any moves.

"I still expect something to happen over the summer at some point, possibly in July.

"But I can't rule out staying at Blackburn either because you should never say never in this game.

"It's well documented that Brad's the gaffer's number one choice and I want to be playing regularly.

"However, if a move doesn't materialise, then I've got to make sure I'm in a position to do a job for Rovers.

"But I'd be a hypocrite if I said my position had changed just because we're now back in the Premiership."

One of his old club's, Preston, are rumoured to be monitoring his situation closely and Kelly admits such a move would appeal. "I was there for seven years and my dad was there for a long time, too, so a move like that would suit me down to the ground.

"But you can't take talk like that for granted until you've actually been told the club have had an enquiry and you're allowed to go and talk to the interested party about personal terms."

In the meantime, however, he is concentrating on the Republic's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers with Portugal and Estonia next month.

And he's determined to regain the number one shirt after losing his place recently.

"I don't think I'll be playing to be honest," said Kelly.

"With my situation at Blackburn and the fact that Shay Given has played the last few games, I can't see myself being first choice at the moment.

"That's very disappointing because I look at it and think this is not a situation of my own making.

"But I suppose that's life and I've just got to get on with it.

"I'll certainly keep fighting to try and get my place back.