BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen has been told to toughen up if he wants a regular starting place under Mark Hughes.

The Norwegian international has struggled to break into the Rovers first team since Hughes took over from Graeme Souness in September.

That has prompted Norway's assistant manager Stig Bjornebye to hold talks with Hughes in an effort to clarify the former Tromso player's situation.

And Bjornebye is satisfied that one of the stars of the Norwegian national side does still have a bright future at Ewood Park.

"Mark Hughes said he has to learn to be tougher," said Bjornebye, the former Rovers defender.

"He was positive about the player, so I don't think there is any reason to worry. Mark thinks that Morten has some interesting qualities but that he has to acclimatise to Premier League football first. Some do that faster than others.

"He has to stand up for himself more in training. He is in an environment where he learns daily, but it isn't like he has to start from scratch.

"I told Mark that we totally depend on him to develop these kind of talents."

Pedersen has not started a Premiership game for Rovers since September and he acknowledges the need to add a tougher side to his game.

"I have to get even better," he said.

"I need to be a little tougher and give a little bit extra."