BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness could be facing a fight to hang on to Dean Saunders.

Stories emanating from Wales earlier this week claimed that Welsh boss and former Rovers hit-man Mark Hughes wants the veteran striker as part of his backroom staff.

And Souness has admitted that Saunders would be ideally suited for such a role with the national team after making a big impression during his first year at Ewood.

"If I was Mark Hughes then I'd be inviting Dean Saunders to get involved," said Souness

"I think Deano has got a lot to offer and he will be a manager somewhere one day and a good manager at that.

"I think he would also gain a great deal of experience by working on the international scene because Wales have got some good players at this moment in time."

Saunders first linked up with Rovers last August after he was invited to train with the first team squad while he looked for a new club after leaving Bradford City.

But before long Souness then asked him to pass on the benefit of his vast experience to Matt Jansen and the rest of his strikers.

And the arrangement then became an official one when Saunders accepted an offer to become the club's striker coach.

Since then, the former Liverpool frontman has had a growing input in first team affairs.

Last season, he was instrumental in the search for a regular strike-partner for Jansen which resulted in Andy Cole signing from Manchester United for a club record fee.

And he was consulted by Souness again in the summer before Rovers swooped for Dwight Yorke after Saunders had partnered the 30-year-old during their time together at Aston Villa.

But, aside from the specific work he does with the strikers on the training ground as well as the occasional spying missions he carries out as a scout, he has also given Alan Murray valuable back-up in the running of the reserves.

And that versatility appears to have attracted the attention of Hughes who saw for himself last season just how valuable his former international strike-partner could be.

Like Hughes, Saunders is already a legend in Welsh football terms after scoring 22 goals in 75 games.

And he would probably jump at the chance to serve his country once again if he was formally offered the opportunity.

In all likelihood, he could probably combine both roles successfully as Hughes did during his time at Ewood.

As yet, Rovers have not been officially contacted by anyone at the Welsh FA to seek permission to speak to Saunders but watch this space.