BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today underlined his determination to hang onto Rovers skipper Garry Flitcroft.

Flitcroft's current contract is due to run out next summer and Rovers have yet to meet his demands in regard to a new one.

But Souness has made it clear that the 30-year-old midfielder still remains a key part of his future plans for the club.

And, after talks with both the player and his agent last week, he now hopes the two parties can strike a compromise deal between now and the end of the season.

"I had a meeting with Garry and his agent last weekend and I'm sure we will resolve the situation," said Souness today.

"I want him here. He's been a great captain for me.

"He's not a Tugay who can manipulate the ball and look at extremely tricky at times but he's someone who you'd want with you in difficult situations.

"He's got that thing about him where the bigger the challenge, the more he gets excited.

"And if you've got three or four of them in your team then there's not much of a job for the manager to do.

"So I want him here for more than just another season.

"He's a top class captain, not just in terms of what he gives me on the pitch for 90 minutes, but for what he gives us in the dressing room as well."

As things stand, Flitcroft would be free to walk away for nothing in a year's time if a new deal can't be thrashed out.

So far, Rovers have offered the former Manchester City star an extra year on top of the 12 months his current deal still has to run.

But the Ewood man wants another two years on top of his existing contract before he decides to commit his long-term future to Rovers.

Aston Villa are thought to be watching the situation closely in case talks break down and Rovers decide to cash in.

Meanwhile, there could be some departures from Ewood before the Football League transfer deadline expires next Thursday.

Reserve midfielder Jonathan Douglas has asked for the opportunity to go out on loan and Souness won't stand in the player's way if a club was to come in.

"Dougie has said he would like to go out on loan because he wants to play first team football and that is something I'd agree to after this weekend because we'd then have Lucas Neill available again," said Souness.

Several other players currently on the fringes of the first team squad may also be targeted before the deadline expires with a view to possible loan deals.

Souness has quashed speculation of his alleged disregard for the UEFA Cup.

When asked how realistic his side's hopes are of securing a European berth, the Rovers boss said: "The situation is simple - we are trying to get as many points as we can and if we reach a tally that takes us into the UEFA Cup then I'll celebrate as well as anyone.

"I just don't believe in setting targets further than the next match. We have eight games left and need one more point to better last season's total, but we've got some hard games to come - trips to Newcastle and Manchester United don't need any overstating."