I'M looking forward to seeing Rovers in action this weekend but I'll also be having a close look at Charlton as well.

I have not only been impressed with what Alan Curbishley has done on the pitch but the way the club has conducted itself off it too.

Charlton have proved that you can be successful in the Premiership on limited resources and shrewd investments. They are in sixth place at the moment and no-one would begrudge them a place in Europe at the end of the season.

That is why I think Rovers have to follow Charlton's lead and not the Arsenals, Chelseas and Manchester Uniteds of this world -- not that they have that kind of money to spend anyway!

For the days of big spending at Ewood Park have long gone. There once was a time when they had a bottomless pit of money and, as everyone knows, that helped them win the title.

Now though, it is all about wheeling-and-dealing, gambling on bringing untried players in and hoping that Academy youngsters make the grade.

It must be frustrating for Graeme Souness not to have the money to spend but he must also see it as something of a challenge.

It's easy to have millions to spend on whatever player you want but when the money isn't there you have to be a bit more clever. It is more of a test on your managerial skills.

That is why you will see the likes of Curbishley and Sam Allardyce be nominated for manager of the year come the end of the season.

Another reason I am looking forward to seeing Rovers tomorrow is the chance of seeing Jonathan Stead for the first time.

He has had a fantastic start to his career at Ewood Park with two goals in his first two games but, as I mentioned last week, it will be interesting to see how he copes once teams get to grips with him.

Stead's form means Dwight Yorke has been frozen out of the first team and I was interested to see that he played for the reserves in midweek.

Obviously I don't know if he has been banished there or he has asked to play to get some match practice. But he needs to be playing because you can train all you like but it is matches that you need.

Dwight knows that his days at Ewood are numbered so if he plays well in the reserves, scores the odd goal here and there, he is bound to attract watching scouts.

Finally, I would like to congratulate both Stead and Paul Gallagher who were on international duty this week. Stead's fairytale start to life at Ewood Park continued with his England Under 21s debut while Gallagher underlined his growing reputation with a full Scotland cap.

Playing international football can only be good for the player and the club, and long may it continue.