GRAEME Souness could be ready to unleash his new weapon in Rovers' next 'cup final' against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday -- Yordi.
The Spanish striker, signed on loan from Real Zaragoza last week, has put himself in the reckoning after making an impressive debut as a second half sub in Sunday's 2-1 Worthington Cup final victory against Spurs.
The 6ft 2in frontman came close to scoring on a couple of occasions and won virtually everything in the air as he partnered Andy Cole up front once Matt Jansen -- scorer of the first goal -- had departed with a groin injury.
And Souness was so pleased with his new striker's contribution that the Spaniard could now make his full debut in the relegation six-pointer against Wanderers at the Reebok.
"He will definitely play some part," confirmed the Ewood chief.
"I think he gives us something we have been missing all season.
"Andy Cole and Matt are similar players in terms of their movement and what they do on the ball but Yordi is more physical and offers us something different.
"We played a practice match last week and won 2-1 and he scored both of them and had a couple of shots where he could have got a few more.
"And he also came close to scoring in the Cup final when he came on, so he looks a real threat.
"We've been impressed by what we have seen of him so far so he'll certainly get a chance in the not too distant future."
Meanwhile, Rovers' fierce rivals Burnley could be shock contenders in the race to sign Northern Ireland midfielder Damien Johnson.
Johnson's agent, Phil Graham, has confirmed that the Clarets are among a number of clubs who have all shown an interest in the Northern Ireland midfielder.
Johnson is out of contract in the summer, but because he is 23 and has come through the Blackburn Academy, Rovers can still ask for a transfer fee.
However, Johnson may not wait that long to resolve his future and Graham has admitted there is a chance that the player could be on the move before transfer deadline day, with Burnley, Leicester, Bradford, and Preston North End all thought to be monitoring the situation closely.
"The clubs that are showing an interest are Bradford, Preston and Burnley and also Leicester," said Graham.
"I have spoken to those clubs and there is a possibility that something could happen before the deadline."
Second Division outfit Bristol City were also recently linked with a possible loan move for the player but Johnson is not thought to be keen on the idea of having to drop two divisions.
"We haven't heard anything from Bristol City," added Graham. "Having said that, I think that Damien would be looking at playing at least in the First Division."
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