BLACKBURN defender Stig Inge Bjornebye has warned his Rovers team-mates that they must convert more of their chances if they are going to avoid relegation.

Blackburn go into tonight's match against Aston Villa at Ewood Park four points below the safety line in 18th place.

They have managed just one goal in their last three league games and Bjornebye knows that is not good enough if they are going to stay up.

The Norwegian claims Blackburn, who have taken just seven points from their last 13 games, are playing well enough, but need to be more clinical in front of goal.

"I think that's been the story of our season," he said.

"We've played quite well and we've played some good stuff, but we've not put the ball away often enough.

"We're comfortable on the ball, we're keeping the ball and we're waiting for the chances to come to score a goal.

"But if you don't take them, you're likely to lose the odd goal and end up in trouble and we've done that a few times this season.

"That's got us where we are now. We've got some more people in the squad now with Yordi and Andy Cole so hopefully they can score the goals that we've been lacking."

Bjornebye knows Blackburn have also struggled at the other end of the pitch this season and he admits at times they have been guilty of poor defending.

He feels they have conceded too many goals on the counter-attack - a point hammered home by manager Graeme Souness time after time.

The Rovers boss has said: "It's something we need to be aware of and it's something that has cost us dear throughout the season."

Bjornebye says they players have heard Souness and are trying to concentrate better.

"We've lost goals from our own corners and our own free-kicks," he said.

"That's rather stupid and we just have to make sure we defend all right and track back if we lose the ball. We have to be prepared for everything against Aston Villa.

"I think that's the main thing. We must concentrate and sense the danger.

"We've got to be disciplined in our play, stick together and do our jobs."

The Villa game is Blackburn's first at home in over a month and Bjornebye says the players have missed playing at Ewood Park.

"We've missed Ewood Park and we've played so many away games recently," he said.

"It'll be good to play in front of our own fans again, especially after the Worthington Cup final, and we'll be looking to get the three points.

"If we could get the three points that would build us up nicely for the run-in."

Rovers are boosted by the return of Tugay from suspension, but Craig Short remains banned.