IN-FORM Rover Craig Hignett is hoping to become Ewood's answer to Ruud Van Nistelrooy by firing the goals to sink his old club Barnsley in the FA Cup tomorrow.

While Manchester United star Van Nistelrooy continues to blaze a goals trail in the Premiership, Hignett is currently in the middle of his own hot scoring streak after finding the net in each of Rovers's last three games.

And the prolific midfielder has now set his sights on making that four in four ahead of tomorrow's third round replay against the Tykes at Ewood.

"I should imagine the price will be very short on me doing that now," joked the 32-year-old.

"But my goals tend to come in spirts anyway so I'll certainly be going all out to try and make it four in four.

"I've played three games in a week now and, to come from not playing for two or three months to playing three times in such a short space of time has been really enjoyable, and it gives you something to look forward to after training.

"It's almost like a new lease of life for me, especially considering the way we played on Saturday.

"I thought the movement of our front lads was magnificent against Charlton and it creates chances for other people around them as well.

"Damien Duff, in particular, was electric in the first half -- I don't think they knew how to control him."

Hignett's current run in the side is a rich reward for his patience after spending much of the season on the bench due to the form of Keith Gillespie.

But, though he admits to becoming frustrated by his lack of opportunities at times, at no point has he ever considered quitting the club in his quest for regular first team football, despite being linked with moves to Leicester and Barnsley.

"I love it here, I'm with a great set of lads, and this is a great club," said Hignett.

"The club has been successful since I've been here so I've no reason to go and ask for a move.

"Obviously, I'm not happy at not playing but I just feel that given a decent run in the team then, hopefully, I can stay in.

"So we'll just have to see how it pans out. We've got some difficult games coming up but, hopefully, I can keep notching the odd goal.

"I wouldn't like to think I'd have to score in every game to stay in the team.

"But it's just nice that the goals have come when they have."

Now Hignett and his team-mates are focused on the task of progessing into the fourth round of the Cup at Barnsley's expense, fresh from Saturday's morale-boosting win over Charlton.

And, with Andy Cole cup-tied for the visit of the Tykes, Souness is once again likely to look to Hignett and Matt Jansen as the men to score the goals to see Rovers through.

"It's going to be a difficult game because it was a difficult game over there," said Higgy.

"Steve Parkin's got them very well organised and we did well to escape with a draw in the end.

"So, hopefully, we can play a lot better this time and finish the job off here tomorrow.

"Andy Cole's arrival has given the whole place a lift. His movement is fantastic, his finishing is fantastic and he was unlucky not to get a hat-trick against Charlton.

"The keeper made a couple of good saves and he was unlucky when he hit the post.

"Everyone is happy when you're scoring goals and winning games and, hopefully, that will continue."