FORMER Liverpool hot-shot Dean Saunders has been charged with the task of unearthing the answer to Blackburn's striking problems.

The former Welsh international has now been officially appointed as a striker coach at Ewood until the end of the season.

And part of his new brief is to scour the country for a possible strike partner for Matt Jansen as manager Graeme Souness looks to boost his attacking options.

"Deano is now working for us officially as a striker coach," said Souness today.

"And part of his job will be to go out and look at potential strikers for Blackburn Rovers."

One of Saunders' first scouting missions saw him cast his eye over Brighton hitman Bobby Zamora at the weekend.

But, though the former Bristol Rovers forward enhanced his growing reputation with an expert finish against Bury on Saturday, Ewood chief Souness is not ready to weigh in with an offer.

"Dean did watch Bobby for us but there's nothing happening on that front," said Souness.

And Brighton boss Peter Taylor added: "Bobby wants to play in the Premiership but when he gets there he wants to do it right and I think that at this stage staying with us would be a great help to his career.

"He is certainly very important to us but when the time is right and somebody offers us a fantastic sum then we will talk to the player.

"Until then I'm turning my phone off."

Following the sale of Marcus Bent to Ipswich, Souness wants to bring in a new face to provide extra competition for Jansen and Ciccio Grabbi up front.

But, after missing out on Robbie Fowler, he is now scouring the continent for targets and watched a player in Holland at the weekend, although he has decided not to pursue that.