Robbie Fowler during a Blackburn friendly.
Robbie Fowler during a Blackburn friendly.

Fowler's Rovers move to end Al Ahli's chase



Robbie Fowler is ready to agree a pay-as-you-play deal with Blackburn this week, ending any lingering hopes Al Ahli had of siging the former England striker. Fowler, 33, had been strongly linked with a move to play at the Dubai-based club next season. The former Liverpool man had previously considered a move to the Emirates - where he has several properties - but chose Cardiff City when he left Liverpool.

His signing would have been another major coup for the UAE Etisalat Pro League, already boasting by such major talents as the Brazilian striker Rafael Sobis at Al Jazira and the Chilean Jorge Valdivia at Al Ain. Fowler has been training with Rovers ever since his former Liverpool teammate Paul Ince took over as manager. Blackburn chairman John Williams said they hoped to agree a three-month deal by the end of the week.

Williams said: "We have agreed in principle a three-month pay-as-you-play deal and we hope to have it tied up by the end of the week. "If we go ahead on that basis and get it registered then if the manager wants him he would be able to be in the squad against Arsenal on Saturday." Fowler is currently a free agent after leaving Cardiff during the summer. The striker is the fourth-highest goalscorer in Premier League history having had two spells at Liverpool and also played for Leeds and Manchester City.

Fowler was also offered a pay-as-you-play contract with Cardiff for this season but turned it down after he receiving the chance to have a trial at Blackburn. He could be in the squad to face Arsenal at Ewood Park this weekend. * PA Sport

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Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

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