Rovers fan John Myles - who writes a weekly column for the Lancashire Telegraph - runs the rule over the present Blackburn squad.

Goalkeepers

Brad Friedel
I have noticed that our likeable American goalkeeper has been impressing with some work for the media last season. Fortunately, he still plays the game even better than he talks it. He goes into 2007/2008 as unchallenged number one.

Peter Enckelmann
The forgotten man. Will he ever get a game? He doesn't appear to be even the second choice these days.

Jason Brown
His impressive cameo performance against Wigan, including a penalty save, endeared him to Rovers fans. No doubt ready to step into the breach if required.

Gunnar Nielsen
Great name! Should have had plenty of practice playing for the Faroe Islands. (But hang on, don't most of the opposition's shots go in?)

Frank Fielding
Local lad who was a regular for the reserves last season and did well enough to represent England under 19's. A bright future awaits.

Defenders

Ryan Nelsen
What a difference he made when he returned mid-season. A defensive rock who has earned his club captaincy. Someone you'd want with you in the trenches.

Christopher Samba
What a revelation but I suspect his second season may be more difficult. Those telescopic legs may be investigated by FIFA. Quite possibly an Ewood legend in the making.

Stephen Warnock
Would you swap him for a certain Aussie Hammer? Of course not. Fitted into the defence like a glove and an England cap must surely only be a matter of time.

Brett Emerton
Still appears on the squad list as a midfielder but I want him to keep his right-back position. I predicted in this article last year that he would be Rovers' most improved player of the season and, for once, I think I got it right.

Zurab Khizanishvili
Too good a defender to be satisfied with playing a dozen games a season (if he's lucky). Never lets us down but may want to move on if he remains a bit part player.

Stephane Henchoz
He was never the fastest, and his lack of pace was exposed occasionally last season. However, his positioning sense is exceptional and he will be there to do a job if called upon in times of need.

Andre Ooijer
The Dutch man was beginning to settle and show real class when he sustained that horrible injury. If fit again, it will be a major boost as he can cover at centre back or full back. Must cut out the wrestling in the penalty area though.

Bruno Berner
Still very much an unknown quantity but it's a blow to lose him for a big chunk of the season. Based on what I have seen of him he looks typically Swiss - ie efficient, reliable but rather unexciting.

Andy Taylor
Another product of the Academy who has played for a number of sides on loan and from whom great things are expected. If he plays football as well as his mum teaches he'll be a star!

Eddie Nolan
Mark Hughes seems to like him as he involved him in the first team squad a number of times last season. Has certainly shown flashes that suggest that he will impress if he gets the chance.

Midfield

Tugay
The maestro! An exotic ingredient to be used sparingly but often with devastating effect. He played some of his best football last season and can still be a key performer in the right kind of game.

Robbie Savage
At last, we were beginning to see the true Robbie and how effective his style could be just prior to his injury last season. His commitment and work-rate cannot be faulted. I would still like to see more end product in terms of goals but a fit-again Robbie will be a major boost.

David Bentley
For me, top man last season. Oozed class and only Beckham's resurrection from the dead prevented David winning his first England cap. I predict more of the same.

Morten Gamst Pedersen
The enigma. You never know if he is going to miss an open goal (don't remind me!) or score a spectacular winner. People forget, however, how much defensive cover he provides for the team. I just hope he can add more sharpness in front of goal this season.

Steven Reid
Another on his way back from injury who we hope can capture his pre-injury form which was excellent. Will Reidy play better along side Savage, Dunn or even Tugay? Only time will tell.

Aaron Moekena
Plays that defensive midfield role that isn't pretty but is often necessary and effective. He certainly improved when he had a chance to play a number of games. Mark will use the Axe when tactics demand it.

David Dunn
The jury is still out on whether or not Dunny can re-capture his best form for Rovers. Everyone wants him to succeed, and to be fair he did need to play himself fit after arriving from Birmingham. This is a make or break season for David.

Keith Treacy
I'll say it for you Keith: "no I am not the new Damien Duff. I am the one and only Keith Treacy!" We seem to have had many "promising" wingers (usually Irish or Scottish) who have never quite made it. Let's hope Keith can justify the hype and be different.

Sergio Peter
Last season must have been frustrating for Sergio. He had limited opportunities to show his undoubted talent. Has committed his future to the club but would he benefit from a loan spell instead of waiting in the wings?

Strikers

Benedict McCarthy
An undoubted star and without his goals last season, where would we have been? Benni is at the crossroads and I hope that he chooses the sign that says stay at Ewood Park'. That decision will be a massive one not only for him but for Rovers.

Francis Jeffers
Clearly not in the manager's plans but has a high opinion of his worth which he is entitled to hold, I suppose. I suspect that he will persuade a Championship side to meet his demands before the start of the season.

Paul Gallagher
I queried last year if Paul was going to be the "nearly man" at Rovers. That question will surely be answered conclusively depending on what happens this season. Hard to see where or how he will fit in unless there's an injury crisis.

Matt Derbyshire
A brilliant debut season but how will he find that difficult second season? Will he choke like Stead? Will he even get his chance or is he behind Benni, Jason Roberts and Roque Santa Cruz in the pecking order? Get a season ticket and find out!

Jason Roberts
Only got going towards the back end of the season when he finally began to look like the player that terrorised defenders for Wigan. He and Benni could do for Rovers what Yorke and Cole did (I mean for United not for Rovers).

Maceo Rigters
If someone told you you could buy the top goal scorer at the Under-21 Championships for £350,000, would you believe them? Okay, it may turn out to be a flash in the pan but I doubt it and I would rather believe that Mark has unearthed another gem at a bargain price. Exciting prospect.

Roque Santa Cruz
Some South American magic at Ewood Park... I can't wait! He's been given the number nine shirt so it will be interesting to see if he gets the start. An unknown quantity, but when has Sparky let us down?