ROVERS striker Nathan Blake today threw down the gauntlet in the battle for striking places by vowing 'I can still score goals in the Premiership.'
Blake's future at Ewood has been the subject of intense speculation all summer after manager Graeme Souness made a £6.75 million swoop for Italian goal-ace Ciccio Grabbi.
Coventry, Derby, Wolves and Cardiff have all been linked with separate moves for the player, who saw his season wrecked by injuries last year.
But, with his fitness problems now behind him, Blake is relishing the scrap for places ahead of the big kick-off at Derby on Saturday.
And he insists he still has plenty of goals left in his locker after looking sharp during Rovers' friendly campaign.
"This is a new start for me after what happened last season," said Blake.
"I started so well last year and I was really looking forward to the rest of the season but then I got injured and that was it.
"But I managed to get back for the last game at Gillingham and now I'm feeling fit and ready for the start of the new season.
"I know I can score goals in any league so I don't really think 'this is the Premiership' and I've got to do a bit more.
"The competition for places doesn't worry me because, if you're playing in the Premiership, then most clubs are going to have at least three, four or maybe five strikers.
"We've got about seven or eight here but if you do get a chance then you've just got to play well and try and stay in the team.
"The season's too long and too hard for any two strikers to play all season so there is going to be rotation.
"So when I get in there I've got to try and bang in a few goals and impress the manager."
Blake appears to have done that so far, having got the nod to partner Grabbi against Barcelona on Sunday in the absence of the injured Matt Jansen.
But, though Jansen looks set to return at Pride Park on Saturday, Blake is happy to bide his time at Ewood, despite speculation in Wales today again suggesting Cardiff are lining up a big money offer.
"I've been linked with the likes of Coventry, Wolves, Derby and Cardiff but it was just speculation as far as I was concerned," said Blake, who claimed Rovers' second goal in Sunday's 3-2 win over Barcelona.
"Until the manager pulls me over and says he's accepted a bid for me then I'll just keep focusing on playing for Blackburn.
"I'm happy here, we've got a good bunch of lads, I get on with the gaffer and I've got no reason to leave.
"But, like I've said, if the manager suddenly calls me in and says he doesn't want me then that becomes a different kettle of fish."
As long as he's at Ewood, however, he will never be far from the thoughts of Welsh boss Mark Hughes.
But Blake insists the fact his international boss is watching his every move does not bring any extra pressure.
"I don't feel under extra pressure from Sparky," said Blake.
"He just gives me advice and has little words in my ear here and there.
"I know I'm 29 but he's 37 so he's been there, done that and I'll keep taking those little tips off him."
In the mean time, Blake faces an anxious wait to hear whether or not he will miss the start of Rovers' Premiership campaign after being red-carded in a recent friendly against Ternana.
"I haven't heard anything as yet so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and waiting to see if anything happens."
Meanwhile, Tottenham look set to complete the signing of American keeper Kasey Keller today -- ending Alan Kelly's hopes of a move to White Hart Lane.
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