By Ridge Mahoney
Senior Editor, Soccer America Magazine

The trial of ex-Quake Dwayne DeRosario at English club Blackburn has been extended.

DeRosario arrived in Blackburn Feb. 11, attended the clubÆs 3-0 win over Norwich the following day and began training with Blackburn Monday. In a full-field scrimmage Tuesday he scored a pair of goals, according to his agent, Lyle Yorks.

ôTheyÆve asked him to stay,ö said Yorks. ôObviously, weÆll have to see what happens, but thatÆs encouraging.ö

The 3-0 win over Norwich notwithstanding, Blackburn has been plagued with scoring problems. Only last-place West Bromwich Albion (23 goals) has scored fewer than BlackburnÆs 24.

DeRosario has two paths to earning employment in the Premier League, pending an offer from Blackburn. As a Canadian, he is eligible for a Commonwealth visa, although he hasnÆt yet applied for one, and if approved would work under the same conditions as ex-D.C. United Backburn defender Ryan Nelsen.

DeRosarioÆs situation is complicated by the fact he has dependents (wife and child), and restrictions are tighter for citizens of Commonwealth countries who have dependents; Nelsen, a native of New Zealand, is single.

DeRosario has played in more than 75 percent of CanadaÆs competitive matches over the past two years although Canada has dropped out of the top 70 of the FIFA rankings to No. 85.

In the appeal process, which would be implemented if his original work-permit application was denied, the percentage of matches played carries far more weight than a nationÆs ranking.

In addition to what heÆs seen in training, Blackburn manager Mark Hughes can draw upon what he learned about DeRosario in person. While manager of Wales, Hughes watched DeRosario play 80 minutes of a 1-0 Welsh win over Canada last year. Among the citations of recommendation that could be submitted in an appeal would be that of Canadian coach Frank Yallop, who marked a forward named Hughes many times during their careers in England.

Prior to his arrival in Blackburn DeRosario trained with Nottingham Forest of the English League Championship and also spent some time with Danish club AGF Aarhus.

San Jose will retain DeRosarioÆs rights within MLS for the next two years even though his contract has expired.