BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today insisted Tugay will start tomorrow's clash with Manchester United - even though the Turk could become a target for the Old Trafford boo-boys.

The former Galatasaray star recently found himself at the centre of a media storm after he was alleged to have issued death threats to United duo David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand following Turkey's explosive Euro 2004 qualifying defeat against England.

However, the Rovers midfielder later stringently denied he made any such remarks.

And Souness is ready to stand by the 32-year-old by naming him in his starting line-up.

"Tugay will definitely start the game," said Souness.

"I don't think anyone will make a big deal out of it anyway because he denied it all anyway so it never crossed my mind to leave him out."

Rovers have virtually a clean bill of health for the game apart from long-term absentee David Thompson.

Keith Gillespie did have treatment yesterday on a minor niggle but he should be free to take his place on the bench.