EWOOD chief Graeme Souness today called for the 'same again' as Rovers go in search of their first win of the new campaign against Spurs.

Wednesday night's morale-boosting performance against Manchester United sent a message out to the rest of the Premiership that Rovers are not in the top-flight merely to make up the numbers this term.

And Souness is confident they can build on that display with a precious three point haul against Spurs -- providing his players go out with the same commitment and desire.

"On reflection I was happy with a point against United despite the way the game ended," said Souness.

"But that's history now and we've got to focus all our energies on Tottenham and I want the players to show the same sort of desire and commitment as they did on Wednesday night.

"I'm expecting a similar game because Spurs try to play football, too.

"I saw them against Everton on Monday and one of the first things that struck me is they're a very big team -- I think Tarrico's probably their only player under six foot.

"So that's something we've got to be aware of. But they've also spent a few bob in the summer and they've got some good players.

"They carry a real goal threat from the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Darren Anderton and Gus Poyet who are all midfield types.

"And they've got the lad Iversen upfront who can also cause you problems so they've got decent players who like to play football."

Souness was delighted with the way his side set about United, particularly in the second half.

But, after spurning a couple of golden chances, he has stressed the need to be more ruthless infront of goal. At the highest level, you have to take your chances," said Souness.

"If you don't take your chances, then you get punished.

"Against United, for instance, Ciccio had a great chance to level but he tried to blast it rather than opening his foot and passing it into the net, and within a minute we found ourselves a goal down."

Souness reports no fresh injury problems ahead of the clash but Turkish midfield ace Tugay will have to wait for his Premiership debut after failing to recover from a thigh strain.

That means Alan Mahon is likely to continue alongside Garry Flitcroft in midfield after a brilliant Premiership debut against United.

"It's just a daft niggle but Tugay's not quite ready yet and we think it's sensible not to rush him back with a two week break coming up," said Souness.

Rovers are expected to choose from: Friedel, Curtis, Bjornebye, Short, Berg, Flitcroft, Mahon, Gillespie, Duff, Jansen, Grabbi, Blake, Bent, Hughes, Taylor, Hignett, Filan.

Meanwhile, Spurs head for Ewood tomorrow still looking for their first win of the season having drawn their opening two games at home to Aston Villa and away to Everton.

Manager Glenn Hoddle was furious at referee David Elleray's decision to send off both midfielder Gustavo Poyet and defender Gary Doherty at Goodison Park on Monday.

Both players now face suspensions but they are free to face Rovers and Hoddle has been impressed with Poyet in particular since his summer move from Chelsea.

"Instantly, you have a set of supporters who have taken to a player," he said. "He's infectious, and you would have thought he had been here five or six years. That is the kind of guy he is."

"He is a very astute player and a better player than I thought. I knew he was a box threat, a player who gets in the box and scores goals, but you could put him at centre-half and he would adjust his game.

"He's got a real love for the game and would go on playing until he is 39 if he could. It's refreshing to see that attitude."

Spurs are likely to choose from: Sullivan, Doherty, Bunjevcevic, King, Taricco, Poyet, Freund, Anderton, Ziege, Sheringham, Iversen, Perry, Clemence, Davies, Thelwell, Keller (g).