BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness could find himself in more hot water with the Football Association following his verbal blast at Aston Villa defender Ronny Johnsen.

Souness has already requested a personal FA hearing after being charged following an altercation with fourth official Matt Messias during Rovers' Worthington Cup quarter-final win at Wigan in December, which ended with the fiery Scot being sent from the dugout. That date has been set for February 18.

And the former Liverpool manager did not hold back again at the weekend as he accused former Manchester United and Norway centre-back Johnsen of trying to get Rovers defender Jay McEveley sent off during his side's 3-0 defeat at Villa Park.

McEveley was involved in a heavy challenge with Villa full-back Mark Delaney, which forced the Wales international to be substituted with an ankle problem 10 minutes from time.

But Souness' wrath was directed at Johnsen after he protested about the challenge by McEveley to referee Mike Dean.

"I'm extremely upset with Johnsen," said Souness.

"I thought he was a proper player, but he wanted McEveley to be sent off.

"It was two young lads going for the ball and Johnsen raced over to the ref to tell him to send our player off.

"I always thought he was a proper player, but now to me he's just another Johnny Foreigner - and there are a few of those around."

The FA have confirmed that they are "aware" of Souness' comments but it remains to be seen whether they'll take any action.

Should the game's governing body decide to investigate the matter further, then Souness could find himself facing disciplinary action.

The Ewood chief was given a three-game touchline ban by the FA in November last year and fined £15,000 for comments made to referee Steve Bennett during Blackburn's home draw with Liverpool.