ROVERS boss Graeme Souness was today handed a major injury boost ahead of the new season with star trio Matt Jansen, David Dunn and Garry Flitcroft all declaring themselves fit for the big kick-off at Derby tomorrow.

Souness's midfield resources were in danger of being decimated after Dunn and Flitcroft both picked up niggling injuries in midweek.

However, the news from the treatment room was positive this morning with the pair given the green light to face the Rams.

And striker Matt Jansen should also be free to resume normal service upfront despite last week's scare over his injured shoulder.

That means Souness has virtually a full-strength squad to pick from as Rovers prepare to announce their return to the big-time.

The only absentee is summer signing Tugay who picked up a booking in his last match for Rangers and is serving a one-game ban.

Confidence in the Ewood camp is sky-high after some encouraging performances in pre-season on the back of promotion in May.

But, despite Rovers' thumping FA Cup win at Pride Park last season, Souness is warning his players to expect a much tougher test from the rejuvenated Rams tomorrow.

"It doesn't matter what happened there last season," said Souness.

"We won handsomely in the cup at their place but they could have been two or three up in the early stages if it hadn't been for Brad.

"So we are under no illusions as to the size of the task. Last season counts for nothing.

"Derby are a Premier League team and there are no easy games in the Premier League.

"We've achieved the easy part which was getting back into the top-flight but now the hard part is staying there and building on that."

Both clubs have spent money strengthening their squads over the summer and Jim Smith's signing of Fabrizio Ravanelli in particular has attracted huge media attention.

However, though Souness is expecting the Italian to be a threat, he insists the Rams have plenty of other players who can cause damage on their day.

"Ravanelli is obviously the one everyone is talking about and when he was here last time he showed he could score goals in the Premiership," said Souness.

"But they've got several players who could be a threat."

Rovers will choose from: Friedel, Filan, Curtis, Short, Berg, Bjornebye, Flitcroft, Dunn, Duff, Gillespie, Jansen, Grabbi, Bent, Blake, Hughes, Mahon, Hignett, Taylor, Greer.

Derby (from): Poom, Oakes, Daino, Boertien, Riggott, O'Neil, Higginbotham, Bragstad, Blatsis, Burley, Kinkladze, Grant, Ravanelli, Christie, Bolder, Morris.