ANDY Cole today pledged his future to Blackburn Rovers and said he's fully behind the club's battle for Premiership survival.

The former Manchester United star's future with Rovers has been the subject of intense media speculation during the past couple of months.

But Cole has been reassured by Rovers boss Graeme Souness that he still has a key part to play in the club's survival fight.

And the 32-year-old has responded by vowing to do everything in his power to keep Rovers in the top-flight as he looks to see out the remaining 18 months of his contract at Ewood.

Cole even believes a late charge for Europe is still not out of the question and he's determined to fire the goals to ease Rovers' relegation fears during the next couple of months after calling for everyone at the club to pull together.

"Over the past few weeks there has been increased speculation regarding my position at Blackburn Rovers," said Cole.

"I signed a three and a half year contract two years ago and was happy to join the club and that remains the same today.

"When I arrived in December 2001 the team were in a very similar league position to the one it's in now.

"We ended up finishing that season by winning the Worthington Cup, gaining a respectable league position and securing a place in Europe.

"Being out of the Cups we are not going to qualify for Europe that way, but I believe if we can put a run of games together this squad is still capable of challenging for a European position this season.

"It's important we all stay positive - the players, the management, the Board, and the fans -because I believe together we can come through this sticky patch of results.

"Regarding my own circumstances, as I said, I signed a three and a half year deal two years ago, and I fully intend to honour the contract.

"I have spoken with both the manager and John Williams recently, who have assured me that there is no truth to the press speculation regarding my position at the club."

Cole has been linked with moves to Middlesbrough and Wolves in the national Press recently and there was even a suggestion at the weekend that Rovers will axe him at the end of the season in order to trim their wage bill - a story which has been strenuously denied by both the player and the club.

If Rovers are to survive then Cole's goals could well hold the key over the next few months.

When he arrived from United in December 2001, Rovers found themselves in the thick of a relegation battle.

However, the £7 million striker responded with nine goals in 15 league games to help Rovers finish a highly-respectable 10th at the end of the campaign.