EWOOD goal-ace Matt Jansen today revealed he's relishing the prospect of partnering new-boy Ciccio Grabbi upfront in the Premiership next season.

The competition for striking places is hotting up following Grabbi's arrival from Ternana with the Italian, Jansen, Bent, Blake, Mark Hughes and Egil Ostenstad all battling it out for two places.

But Jansen and Grabbi were the two that got the nod last night, with Bent used wide on the right and Blake and Hughes having to settle for places on the bench, as Rovers boss Souness begins to settle on his favoured formation ahead of D-day at Derby on Saturday week.

"It takes time to get an understanding going. Ciccio's just come in, we haven't played much together and it's going to take time, but hopefully, it will gel and we will have a good season," said Jansen.

"There is a lot of competition for places. With so many other good strikers here, it's good to keep us sharp because you know you have to be doing well to keep your position.

"If there are a couple of injuries then you need a big squad in the Premier League. If you haven't got a big squad then you suffer with all the games you have to play.

"So I'm really looking forward to it and to a good season."