Blackburn will not let Stead go

Stead has struggled since an impressive start at Rovers

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has said that he will not allow striker Jonathan Stead to join Sunderland on loan.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy had tried to recruit Stead, 21, from Huddersfield last season, and recently admitted he would welcome the chance to sign him.

Hughes told the BBC: "Jonathan's had a difficult season, but he's working very hard and shown determination to turn the season around.

"I'm sure in the second half of the season things will get better for him."

Stead shone for Blackburn last season after his £1.2m switch from Third Division side Huddersfield in January 2004, scoring six goals in 13 Premiership appearances.

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But this season he has struggled to find the target and has yet to score in 19 games.

Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle, 23, could face further woe from the hip injury that has sidelined him since the summer.

Asked if the latest setback meant the end of his season, McCarthy added: "Not until he sees the specialist, but it is looking like it might be that case, yes."