GRAEME Souness today hailed keeper Brad Friedel as the best in the business ahead of Rovers' clash with Southampton at St Mary's this afternoon.

Friedel has been outstanding for Rovers during their opening 11 games back in the Premiership.

And Souness has paid the big American the highest compliment possible by insisting he would not swap him for the world.

"Brad is a top class keeper, there's no doubt about that, and I wouldn't swap him for anyone," raved Souness.

"A big part of being a top keeper is having the correct personality.

"You need to be rock solid, maybe even bordering on being boring, although he won't thank me for saying that!

"But you could build a block of apartments on top of him, never mind a house.

"And I certainly wouldn't swap him for anyone -- and I mean anyone."

Friedel's form between the posts this season is even more admirable in light of the recent atrocities in America.

The United States international was devastated by the events of September 11.

But rather than asking for time off to collect his thoughts, the former Liverpool keeper has thrown himself into his work as his way of coping.

"What happened in New York got to him in a big way as I think it got to all of us," said Souness.

"But with him being American, it affected him in particular.

"However, his performances haven't suffered as a result and that's what I'd expect because that's the kind of personality he is.

"You hear a lot about the American attitude to sport and I think Brad really typifies that."

Souness's decision to sign Friedel in the first place was greeted by scepticism in some quarters.

Despite being an established international, his reputation had been tainted by a couple of high-profile blunders at Liverpool.

But Souness never doubted the wisdom of his move for the 30-year-old after the pair had worked together successfully in Turkey at Galatasaray.

"I think he was really unlucky when he went to Liverpool because I feel he was judged on that game against Manchester United when he came for a punch and missed it, Jason McAteer then handballed, United got a penalty and Liverpool went on to lose," said Souness.

"But as I keep saying, you don't know what you've got until you actually work with someone.

"I've worked with Brad before prior to him coming here and I know exactly what he is -- an all-American boy who's good at everything!

"I certainly wouldn't fancy racing him around the training ground because he's an athlete."

However, Rovers are now hoping Friedel's excellent form will not work against them as the US prepare for the World Cup finals next summer.

Friedel played a big part in helping his country to qualify for a place in Japan and South Korea and he is Bruce Arena's clear choice as number one.

But, with the States sure to have a number of friendly games pencilled in between now and June, Souness is keeping his fingers crossed that he won't lose him for several Premiership games as a result. Their manager knows what he can do so we are hoping we can come to some sort of arrangement on that front."

Rovers are already resigned to losing Lucas Neill for their Premiership clashes with Liverpool and Chelsea due to the defender's involvement in Australia's World Cup play-off games.

Meanwhile, Rovers defender Jeff Kenna has joined Wigan on a one month loan. Kenna, who was the subject of an enquiry from Derby recently, signed for the Latics last night.

And if things work out, the arrangement could become a permanent one.

As we revealed yesterday, Rovers are also mulling over a request from Brentford to extend Ben Burgess's loan until the end of the season.