IT may be too early to start claiming everything in the garden is rosy.

But the green shoots of recovery are clearly showing signs of sprouting if Rovers' 3-0 win over Aston Villa is anything to go by.

After Saturday's shenanigans at the Reebok, it was absolutely vital that Graeme Souness's men chalked up maximum points against the Villans last night.

And the emphatic way in which they sent the visitors packing should give everyone a vital pick-me-up at Ewood as Rovers prepare to enter the final quarter of the season.

But before we start to look forward, let's take time to reflect on one of the most controversial derbies between Rovers and Bolton in decades.

First and foremost, let's be clear on the point that Andy Cole deserved to be sent off for his petulant stamp on Mike Whitlow even if the Wanderers defender made a meal of it.

For a man of his vast experience, it was stupid thing to do but no-one will be more disappointed than Andy himself at the way he let his team-mates down.

That said, however, it's important people forgive and forget as quickly as possible because if Rovers are to preserve their top-flight status then it's crucial that everyone shows a united front.

That certainly seemed to be the case at the Reebok, judging by the way the players stuck together both in the tunnel and on the pitch after Cole's 18th minute dismissal.

Last week's Worthington Cup triumph over Spurs in Cardiff has clearly galvanised the spirit in the dressing room and Rovers are going to need to show the same fight and commitment they demonstrated against Wanderers in every one of their final 10 games to mount a successful escape.

Four more wins should be enough to guarantee Premiership survival -- starting against Ipswich next Wednesday.

Of all the sides at the bottom, George Burley's men look the ones most likely to get sucked back into the mire.

Only four of their remaining 11 fixtures are at home and their last three games are against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

So what more incentive do Rovers need? Thankfully, their destiny is now in their own hands.