BLACKBURN keeper Brad Friedel today paid a glowing tribute to Craig Short and Andy Todd after hailing the defensive pair's role in the club's recent revival.

Three wins from the last five league games have helped to restore confidence at Ewood.

And although Rovers lost 1-0 to Arsenal on their latest outing at the weekend, Friedel believes the team now has the solid foundations needed to climb away from the Premiership's bottom three over Christmas.

"Those two have been absolutely brilliant," said Friedel.

"Shorty was an ingredient that we were desperately missing at the start of the season.

"He's a seasoned professional and he's been around the block for a while.

"As for Toddy, he found himself out of favour for whatever reason.

"At the beginning of the season he went away on loan but then got recalled and since he's come back he's been outstanding.

"So the problems we were having defensively seem to have gone away at the moment and a lot of that is down to those two."

Rovers' new-found defensive resolve was given another stern examination at Highbury by an Arsenal side who have been scoring goals for fun this term.

But in the end, Friedel was beaten just once by a solitary strike from Dennis Bergkamp in a game which Rovers deserved to take something from.

"I thought we played well in the second half. It was similar to the Manchester United game," said Friedel.

"When we did lose the ball, they attacked us in the first half but in saying that, they've got world class players and in my opinion the best player in the world in Thierry Henry playing for them, so you are going to give away a few chances.

"It's impossible to go through a whole game against Arsenal without giving away a few."

Now Rovers face two massive home games over the festive period against Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.

"Our home form is always going to be key. We know that," said the American.

"We've got two home games now against Villa and Middlesbrough and if we can get four points from them then we should be sitting nicely in the table for the New Year."

Meanwhile, Rovers midfielder Alan Mahon is still hopeful of signing for First Division promotion contenders Ipswich on a permanent basis.

The Republic of Ireland international, whose loan at Portman Road expires on January 8, is also keen to participate in the Tractor Boys' FA Cup third-round tie against Derby.

He said: "To be honest I don't expect to get a look in at Blackburn.

"Different managers have different opinions and Graeme Souness has his own views at Ewood Park. Hopefully I will be given the all-clear to face Derby - and also to sign full time for Ipswich.

"My contract with Blackburn expires in June 2005 and fingers crossed over the move. My agent knows the score."

Meanwhile, Rovers are still working on a deal to sign Brian McBride in the January transfer window.

However, the club have still established if the MLS (Major League Soccer) will sanction a loan move.

The price would also have to be right, too. Rovers are only prepared to match the £100,000 loan fee Everton paid last season.