BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is hopeful Jonathon Douglas will agree to sign a new contract with the club.

As we revealed earlier this week, Rovers have already opened talks with the young Irishman about a new deal.

But so far Douglas has rejected Rovers' overtures and talks are set to continue over the next few weeks.

"Dougie's a gritty player who you can rely on totally and you know what you're going to get from him," said Souness.

"He's not the silkiest and he's not the most talented but in terms of applying himself to the job in hand he's as good as you'll get."

Souness is keen to reward the 22-year-old for some sterling performances since he stepped in to solve an injury crisis after Christmas.

Douglas has spent most of the time on the left hand side of midfield, which is not his favoured position, but Souness ultimately sees him as a right back.

"We've been a bit unfair on Dougie because we've not been playing him in his favoured position," added Souness.

"His career with us has really been about filling in wherever Alan Murray felt we needed strengthening in the reserves.

"I still feel his best position might be at right-back but he's not really had an extended run in that position as yet."