EWOOD chief Graeme Souness today turned up the heat ahead of Wednesday night's top-of-the-table showdown with Fulham by claiming his promotion chasing team are the best in the league.

Rovers may currently trail the Londoners by a whopping 13 points but Saturday's 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers took them three points clear of third-placed Bolton in the battle for second spot.

And Souness plans to turn the screw ahead of a make-or-break Easter programme by toppling Jean Tigana's classy league leaders in front of another bumper Ewood crowd.

"Our game in hand over Bolton is now on Wednesday so that's the big one -- it's a monster game," said Souness.

"If we do the business then that puts big pressure on Bolton ahead of their game with Birmingham on Friday.

"I admire Fulham because I think they're a good footballing team -- but so are we.

"Up until now they've proved that they are the best because they're ahead of us in the race for the Championship.

"But I feel that we've been the best team, certainly in the second half of the season.

"Now we have to go out and show that on Wednesday."

Rovers recovered from an early setback to rack up their ninth away win of the season at Loftus Road thanks to first half goals from David Dunn and Matt Jansen before a late Eyal Berkovic strike put the icing on the cake.

And Souness was quick to praise the character of his side as they took maximum advantage of the fact Bolton's game with Crewe had to be postponed due to the bad weather.

"We fell behind early on but we rolled our sleeves up, dug in and worked hard to get ourselves back into the game," said Souness.

"We were playing against a team who are currently fighting for their lives but we matched them in every department.

"And, when we did get it down and play, I thought we caused them problems.

"But that attitude doesn't surprise me because when our backs have been up against the wall in the past we've dug in and shown character.

"When questions have been asked of them, they've produced the goods.

"So it was a gritty performance by us and I've got to be very happy with the result, especially with Bolton not playing and Birmingham losing.

"We've improved our goal difference, we're now three points clear and we've still got a game in hand.

"But we've got to keep that going because we wouldn't be the first team to collapse and not win another game between now and the end of the season.

"We just have to keep showing the same determination and attitude to win games, which I believe will be the case.

"Then it's in the hands of Lady Luck and, hopefully, we'll have a wee bit of luck between now and May."

England Under 21 international Dunn took most of the plaudits on Saturday after making one and scoring one.

But, though Souness was again delighted with his contribution, he still believes there's plenty more to come from the talented youngster. "We know when he gets on the ball in the last third he makes people very nervous with his dribbling ability," said Souness.

"But his longer passing is something we can improve on.

"Let's remember, though, he's just a baby and if he keeps going the way he's going, then we'll be very happy."

PIC: Matt Jansen shows his delight after cracking home his goal.