Jay's vow to Rovers

The former Coventry and Arsenal striker joined Rovers on a season-long loan from Perugia earlier this week.

And the 22-year-old has vowed to repay the faith that manager Graeme Souness has showed in him by rolling his sleeves up and scoring the goals to fire Rovers up the table.

"I won't be wasting this fantastic opportunity," said Bothroyd, who could end up joining Rovers permanently if his loan move proves successful.

"Graeme Souness has told me he wants committed players who aren't afraid to work hard.

"He has a reputation for plain speaking and I like strong managers.

"I think he's going to get the best out of me."

Souness admits he's 'taken a chance' on a player who has had something of a chequered career in English football so far.

As a teenager, Bothroyd was sold by Arsenal following a bust-up with Don Howe and then he was handed a free by Coventry, which prompted his move to Italy.

But Souness believes he can get the best out of a naturally-gifted player who has yet to reach his full potential and he's genuinely excited about the prospect of working with the former England Under 21 international.

"My contacts in the game tell me the boy has great quality and it's my job to make him a consistent performer," said Souness, who also revealed he tried to sign Porto's Benni McCarthy on transfer deadline day.

"We are taking a chance on a young boy people thought a great deal of when he was in this country before.

"He wasn't without his problems but he then went to Italy and did well over there.

"He's 22-years-old and he's one we feel we can take a chance on.

"That's the market we are operating in now.

"In the past we've taken chances on Jonathan Stead and Morten Pedersen and this is the same because that's the market we are in."

If things work out then Rovers have the option to buy Bothroyd for a fee in the region of £2 million at the end of the season.

In the meantime, Souness has explained his reasons for deciding to sell Dwight Yorke just weeks after welcoming him back into the first team.

As Bothroyd arrived on Monday, Yorke left for Birmingham in a £250,000 deal and Souness has admitted a move was best for both parties.

"I like Dwight as a human being but as a manager, I felt he could always give us more because he was so talented," said Souness.

"On occasions that became a problem with the two of us and it was best for us and him that he went in the end.

"I would have liked it to turn out differently but I only wish him well for the future."

Yorke was said to be 'desperately disappointed' by Souness's decision to leave him on the bench for Rovers' recent games against Arsenal and Manchester United and that was what brought the situation to a head.

Souness added: "When Dwight started in the team I thought he did well against West Brom but when he wasn't starting in the side, he seemed to allow himself to get disappointed with that.

"I, therefore, think it's best all round that he's gone but I repeat I only wish him well for the future."

Birmingham fans are divided over Yorke's arrival at St Andrews, mainly because of his previous connections with Aston Villa.

But Blues boss Steve Bruce has urged supporters to put history behind them.

"Villa is in the past and his background was of no concern to him when making his decision.

"He made it clear he was very keen to play for Birmingham and I'm delighted we've got someone of his terrific ability.

"It's not often a European Cup winner becomes available and I'm sure he will add something to what we have and be a hit with the fans."

Meanwhile, referee Andy D'Urso has been suspended for 28 days following his blunder in Southampton's match with Rovers on August 21.

D'Urso cautioned Barry Ferguson twice but did not send him off in the Barclays Premiership match.

He faced a Football Association investigation and the FA's referees committee yesterday imposed the suspension when it was found he less than proficiently applied the laws of the game.