BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today insisted Rovers need one more win to guarantee their Premiership safety following Saturday's excellent 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Rovers' third away win of the season combined with Ipswich's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal yesterday virtually ensured Ewood will be staging top-flight football again next season.

But Souness will not uncork the champagne until Rovers are mathematically safe -- a feat they can effectively achieve by beating Newcastle at home tomorrow night.

"We're still not safe yet," said Souness.

"I've been in the game long enough to know that it can still bite you where it hurts when you are least expecting it.

"So until we are mathematically safe, we won't be counting our chickens.

"We've got a big game tomorrow and we can do it then.

"So thank goodness Alan Shearer got his 200th goal at the weekend otherwise it would have been scripted for him to get it against us.

"We can do a lot better than we did at Boro but we showed great grit and determination to get the points and that's to the players great credit."

The last time Rovers won a top-flight game in Middlesbrough was back in the late 1940s.

But victory never looked in doubt from the moment Yordi profited from some Damien Duff magic to tap home the opener in the 33rd minute.

Second half goals from Andy Cole (74) and David Dunn -- who converted Rovers first penalty award in the league this season -- then wrapped up the points before Szilard Nemeth grabbed a late consolation with the last kick of the game.

"It wasn't a classic but, obviously, the points are greatly welcome," said Souness.

"On the balance of play, I thought we deserved to win. We had the chances and, fortunately, we took them but it was by no means a classic and it certainly wasn't a game for the connoisseur.

"We had several people who were well below par on the day in the likes of Tugay, Keith Gillespie and David Dunn.

"All I can put that down to is their exertions in midweek -- both on and off the pitch."

Meanwhile, Rovers defender Craig Short praised Damien Duff for his role in Rovers' victory.

A dazzling run from the inspirational Irishman put the first goal on a plate for Yordi then he delivered the corner from which Cole headed home the second.

"Damien's not the most confident of people which is why the boss tries to protect him a bit.

"But what's going to happen when he gets a bit of confidence?

"He was the difference for us against Middlesbrough because we didn't play well.

"But the result was a total relief for us."