BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness believes the days of playing with two out-and-out wingers could soon become a thing of the past.

But for tonight at least, Ewood can expect a veritable feast of attacking wing-play as Rovers and Newcastle prepare to go head-to-head.

Irish winger Damien Duff is currently in the form of his life and surely one of the most coveted players in the Premiership right now after a string of spell-binding displays for Rovers over the last few weeks.

And his partnership with former Newcastle wide-man Keith Gillespie down the flanks could be the crucial weapon in Rovers' armoury as they go in search of the win required to guarantee their Premiership safety.

But the Magpies also have width in abundance and French winger Laurent Robert has himself become a cult-figure on Tyneside since he arrived in a £10 million deal from Paris St Germain last summer.

Like David Ginola before him, Robert has become a huge favourite with the Toon Army thanks to some breathtaking displays on the left.

However, also like Ginola, his form has not always been as consistent manager Bobby Robson would have liked.

There's no doubting his quality, though, and only Robert Pires and Ryan Giggs have supplied more assists for their teams this season.

Rovers also need to watch out for his shooting from distance.

Robert has scored a number of important goals from outside the box, particularly from free-kicks.

DAMIEN DUFF

DOB...2.3.79

Signed...5.3.96

Nationality...Irish

International caps...23 (1 gl)

Club

Rovers...apps 155 (34) gls 22

LAURENT ROBERT

DOB...21.5.75

Signed...1.8.01

Nationality...French

International caps...9 (1 gl)

Clubs

Paris SG...apps 8 (1) gls 3

Newcastle...apps 37 (2) gls 9