MARTIN Taylor may have been a two goal hero at the weekend but he was quick to salute the impact made by his team mate David Thompson, the man he hailed as Rovers answer to David Beckham.

And the big defender, nicknamed Tiny, is hoping that he will be a big threat to opposing defences and there will be plenty more goals to come from him in the future thanks to the quality of set-pieces from the midfield marvel.

"I don't think I can get double figures but as a defender going up for corners a goal is a bonus, really," he admitted as he reflected on his double against the side he supported as a boy growing up in the North East.

"They are all important and I'd just like to score a few more if possible. Tommo put some great balls in all afternoon.

"Since he's come, we've looked dangerous off set-plays all the time and on Saturday he put the fifth goal right on my head so it was difficult to miss it.

"Set pieces are a big part of the game because a lot of goals are scored from them so if you've got someone who can whip them in then it can be a big weapon for you.

"Beckham does it for Manchester United and England and Tommo knocks equally great balls in for us so there's always the chance to get some goals from them.

"That's what we needed because we didn't score enough from set-pieces before he came but we are certainly looking dangerous at them now."

Before Saturday, he had only scored three league goals in his career and it was also the first time he had scored twice in a professional game

The England Under-21 international has proved his versatility by playing right across the back line this season as well as being used as an emergency striker in the past. An ever present this season he had the "honour" of playing at centre half against Alan Shearer on the day he scored his landmark 300th goal.

"It was the first time I'd marked Alan Shearer because on the two previous times we've played Newcastle, I've been up front so I've never had to mark him," he said.

"But he's definitely still a handful and he showed on Saturday that he's still a class act by scoring two goals. It was a great experience to play against him. He's different to other forwards I've played against before.

"He uses his body well but he's also got lots of experience and in aerial duels he's very good because he uses that experience to try and flick the ball on for others."

And while the former Rovers star had personal success it was Taylor who was smiling at the end and anticipating the big games around the corner, starting at Highbury on Saturday.

"Over the next few weeks we've got some games against the teams around us in the table so by getting a good home win that should help to raise the confidence a lot," he said.

"Every win is important, especially at home, because if you can win your home games then when you go away there's less pressure on you.

"That's what we need to develop. We haven't started this season like we did last year at home but hopefully by scoring those goals it will get the fans going and help to create a better atmosphere.

"At the end of the day, though, we are just pleased to have moved up the table. When you look at a table after a win and you've gone a bit higher it does breed confidence. Personally, I was pleased with my own performance, too."

With the array of striking talent available to Graeme Souness there should not be a shortage of goals for Rovers this season. But if Tommo and Tiny can form a double act from set-pieces, the manager will be delighted.