GRAEME Souness has broken his silence over the dispute which led to Andy Todd being dropped from the first team.

Souness wanted Todd to be a substitute in Rovers' recent game with Leeds United but the former Bolton and Charlton defender refused to take a place on the bench and he hasn't featured in a first team game since.

"That's a fact but I don't want to dwell on it because it's all about the next four games and us trying to get the three more points which will make us safe," said Souness.

"Lorenzo Amoruso is in the team and playing well and the way I work, that will remain the case.

"This year, we've had a disappointing season by our standards and no-one can really complain if I chop and change the team because we've not gone on a sustained run of victories.

"It's been one step forward and two back so anyone at any time could have been left out of the side and I don't think anyone could complain too much.

"It's all about looking forward and right now we've got Amoruso playing well.

"I believe if he'd been in the team and not out injured for five months then we wouldn't be in this situtation."

Todd is unlikely to play again this season unless Rovers are hit by a sudden injury crisis.