BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today insisted Tugay still has a major part to play in his plans for the future even though he has just splashed out big money on Barry Ferguson.

The Turkish international midfielder was axed from the starting line-up for last week's game with Liverpool as Souness handed Ferguson his debut alongside Garry Flitcroft in the centre of the park.

But the Rovers boss has warned fans not to read too much into that decision after outlining his thoughts on the new battle for midfield places.

"Players like Barry Ferguson don't come along very often and given that we have Tugay who is 33 and Garry who is 30 he's an obvious replacement for Tugay in the future," said Souness, who was set to recall Tugay for today's game at Portsmouth in place of Flitcroft after the skipper picked up a back injury.

"But that's in the future, this is the present, and Tugay still has a major role to play for this football club.

"Nine games out of 10, when I'm having a beer with the opposition managers afterwards the first player they mention is Tugay because everyone appreciates the kind of ability he has.

"Just because I've spent big money on Barry people think he's an automatic choice in the team but I don't work like that and football isn't like that.

"We are very fortunate to have Barry. He's a certain type of player.

"Tugay's a certain type of player and Garry Flitcroft's a very different type. He's your warrior.

"He might not be as silky as the other two but he's a man you would want with you in most situations. So they've all got a part to play."

Souness intends to underline those thoughts by offering Tugay a new contract in the next few months before his current deal expires, as we reported in our later editions last night.

"I've spoken to him, we had an informal chat, and I'm looking to extend it," said the Rovers boss.

Souness has also warned opposition fans not to boo his veteran midfielder in the build-up to next month's England v Turkey game.

"I think supporters should be happy that he's playing in England because if you can't enjoy watching him play football then you don't understand football.

"He's not the perfect player but he's got something that very few players I've ever played or worked with possess, and if you can't enjoy watching him then go and watch another sport."

Meanwhile, Souness believes Lucas Neill will become a stronger person as a result of his spat with Liverpool.

Neill has been heavily criticised in the media by Gerard Houllier after he broke Jamie Carragher's leg as a result of a late challenge last weekend.

But although the Australian international feels let down by some of the comments, Souness believes the whole experience has been character building.

"Lucas has not been happy with some of the drivel that has come out but he's a big boy, a young man playing at the highest level and he will be richer for this experience that he's going through.

"No doubt when we go Liverpool next time around there will be a great deal made of it but I'm not going to get involved in any more of that."

Rovers striker Matt Jansen added: "It has been difficult for Lucas, he's had a couple of penalty incidents this season and then this as well.

"He has been a bit down with what has been going on this week but that can all be forgotten in one game if he plays well. He's a good lad and has a strong character so hopefully he'll bounce back."