EWOOD new-boy Barry Ferguson has hit back at the critics who have questioned his move to Blackburn Rovers by insisting 'I will be a success in England.'

Some people have already raised doubts about the Scotland captain's ability to cut it in the Premiership after the 25-year-old recently quit Rangers for Rovers.

However, Graeme Souness's new signing is determined to make his detractors eat humble pie by proving he's worth every penny of the £6.5 million fee Rovers have paid for him.

"I've had my knockers in Scotland and I suppose I always will have but they don't bother me," said Ferguson.

"A lot of people will be delighted to see me fall flat on my face but I will use that as an inspiration to be successful at Blackburn. I'm confident I will do well.

"A few big clubs wanted to sign me and it's a tremendous compliment when guys such as Graeme Souness, David Moyes and Gerard Houllier make it known they like the way I play.

"It could turn out that I don't live up to the valuation and it doesn't work out at Blackburn but I'm confident that won't be the case as I only have positive feelings about this move."

Former Scotland international Ian St John became the latest pundit to question the wisdom of Ferguson's decision to move south when he accused him of making a 'monumental error' in joining Rovers last week.

But Ferguson has no regrets about quitting the comfort zone of Rangers for a new challenge in England and he's relishing the chance to test himself in one of the toughest league's in the world.

"I'm excited about playing in the Premiership. I watch it all the time on the telly and have always wanted to play at Anfield, Old Trafford, Highbury, Stamford Bridge and White Hart Lane.

"First I need to get into the team. I face a hard task to move out the guys already here but I just have to do it. I must get in there and prove to the manager I should be in his team.

"I know I'll enjoy playing under Graeme because he likes his side to play football.

"I'm looking forward to facing Patrick Vieira, Roy Keane, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. I'd love to do for Blackburn what they do for their teams," said Ferguson in the Sunday Mail.

Ferguson underlined his ability by playing a starring role in Scotland's 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

He will now lead his country again when they play Germany in another Euro 2004 qualifier on Wednesday before returning to Rovers for a possible debut against Liverpool at the weekend.