BLACKBURN Rovers defender Craig Short believes Brett Emerton is about to emerge from the shadow of Damien Duff.

Rovers' Australian winger was viewed as the perfect replacement for Duff when he first joined Blackburn from Feyenoord 12 months ago.

Graeme Souness felt the 25-year-old could provide the attacking thrust down the right that the irrepressible Duff always used to supply from the opposite flank before he left for Chelsea.

But that weight of expectation proved a heavy load for Emerton as he struggled to set the Premiership alight during his first season in English football.

However, Mark Hughes's recent installation as Blackburn's new manager has coincided with a return to form for the Aussie.

And now Short believes he can be the inspiration behind a Rovers revival - starting tomorrow.

"I remember seeing Brett for the first time when we went on a pre-season tour to America last year and I thought he looked sensational," said Short.

"Him and Lucas Neill looked very strong down the right together and I thought we'd struck upon a winning combination.

"However, once the season started, we then began to struggle as a team and I think flair players like Brett tend to suffer more than most in that situation.

"But now it looks like he's playing with confidence again and he can be a major threat for us going forward.

"I thought he was outstanding in our recent game against Aston Villa and he's certainly got the tools to cause people problems.

"Him and Lucas are two of the best athletes at the club and when they're working together they can be a formidable combination."

Rovers will certainly need Neill and Emerton firing on all cylinders if they are to emerge with anything from their visit to Chelsea - the club Mark Hughes served with great distinction as a player.

Stamford Bridge is actually one of Rovers' happier hunting grounds and they have not tasted defeat there on any of their last dozen visits.

However, recent form would suggest it's going to be difficult to extend that run, given that Jose Mourinho's side have made their best ever start to a Premiership season, while Rovers have made their worst since 1996.

On top of that, Duff is also sparkling for the Blues and Short believes his former team-mate poses the biggest threat to his side's chances in the Capital.

"I can never understand it when he doesn't play because he's one of the best wide players around," said the Rovers defender.

"Stewart Downing caused us problems last weekend just by hugging the touchline and he's not at Damien's level just yet.

"I don't think Lucas is looking forward to playing against him because he's probably Chelsea's biggest dangerman."

Short believes Chelsea though won't beat Arsenal to the title.

"I think Arsenal will run away with the league again," he said. "Chelsea look like they'll lose one or two away games. They've got to start scoring more goals but, hopefully, that won't happen against us."

ON FORM: Brett Emerton has flourished under the leadership of Mark Hughes

Ironically, if Chelsea have struggled in one area this season then it's in the final third, where a lack of goals have left them hanging onto Arsenal's coat tails.

Up front, a return of just eight goals leads Short to believe the title could be heading to Highbury once again in May.

At the back, the Blues have conceded a miserly two goals in nine games so far.