The tempestuous target man Christian Vieri has reverted to type by showing a complete lack of professionalism and walking out on the club who were set to give him a chance to continue his career, according to reports today.

Vieri, who is now 36-years-old, was a free agent at the start of the summer after he inexplicably walked out on Italian outfit Atalanta towards the end of last season. Now it seems he's repeated the trick with the Ewood Park club, where he was on trial.

Boss Sam Allardyce, who is desperate to find a new striker after losing two of his most potent goal threats in Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire, said last week he would give the Italian 'all the time he needs' to prove himself.

The well travelled forward who has had spells with Inter Milan and Juventus was with the Rovers squad on their pre-season tour and was due to figure in the friendlies against Hadjuk Split and Nacional. But he has decided against this and has walked away, offering no reason for his behaviour.

The burly hitman will now seek to further his career elsewhere. It may well prove to be a lucky escape for the Lancashire outfit, with Vieri notorious for his dressing room disruptions, huge ego and weight problems.