GRAEME Souness has challenged Alan Mahon to prove he can still have a long-term future at Blackburn Rovers.

Souness had convinced himself that Mahon was surplus to requirements at Ewood, hence his decision to loan him out to Ipswich Town earlier this season.

However, circumstances have since conspired to give the Republic of Ireland international another crack at a career in the Premiership.

Injuries to Steven Reid and David Thompson prompted Souness to recall the 24-year-old early from his loan spell at Portman Road.

And the former Tranmere star's performances since then have persuaded Souness to have a possible change of heart.

"We had obviously made our mind up on Alan which is why he went to Ipswich but he's been given a lifeline and I've said that to him," said Souness.

"I've told him 'now's the time to show us what you can do.'

"At Newcastle on Sunday, I thought he worked exceptionally hard and held his position, which maybe is not his strongest thing.

"Sometimes he can be a wee bit undisciplined but the reason for that is he wants to be on the ball, which is a plus.

"However, I think when you are playing in the wider areas of midfield you've got to be disciplined at times and that's something we've worked on with him in the time since we've had him back."

Mahon's Rovers career appeared to have ground to a halt under Souness.

Before he returned to the fold against Middlesbrough on Boxing Day, he had made only 15 appearances in the Premiership in the previous two seasons.

For a lot of that time, however, he did find himself behind Damien Duff in the pecking order.

But with Duff now gone, Souness is struggling to find a natural left-footed replacement and Mahon could end up saving his manager millions in the transfer market.

"It does help when you've got a natural left-footer in the team," said Souness.

"It gives the team more balance and helps to open up a lot more of the pitch."

Meanwhile, Souness has explained his reasons for overlooking Dino Baggio this season.

The veteran Italian midfielder has barely had a look in since joining Rovers from Lazio at the end of August.

But Souness has pointed to Rovers' early exit from the UEFA and Carling Cups, coupled with their faltering start to their Premiership, as the main factor behind Baggio's inactivity.

"Dino has never really got started," said Souness. "The idea with Dino was to get him a few games in the UEFA Cup and a few games in the League Cup but that didn't happen.

"Then our league form suffered and when we were really struggling I had to run with the people who I knew could handle the Premier League.

"So he's had no period to settle in here and it has been difficult for him but that's no real reflection on his ability, it's the situation we found ourselves in."

Ironically, Baggio may now get more of a chance following the news that Barry Ferguson will be out for at least three months.