EGIL Ostenstad today backed Eyal Berkovic to add a whole new dimension to Rovers' promotion push if he completes his anticipated loan move from Celtic.

Rovers remain confident of striking a deal to bring the midfield schemer to Ewood until the end of the season.

And the man who profited most from his play-making skills during their time together at Southampton believes the former West Ham star will be a smash hit in the Nationwide League.

"I know from first hand experience that Eyal's a quality football player," said Ostenstad.

"He was absolutely superb for me and he'll be great for any striker he plays with.

"His real strength is picking out players when they make a forward run.

"I got to know him very well during our time together at Southampton and I knew that if I made a run -- more often than not -- he would pick me out.

"He's not the type of player who likes to pick up the ball and beat a load of players -- he prefers to beat opponents with a clever pass. "Don't expect him to be running around tackling players -- especially on a wet Wednesday night.

"But the manager knows all that and he will probably build other players around him to do that because, when he's on the ball, he's a quality player."

Berkovic's relationship with Ostenstad is one of the key factors in the Israeli's decision to opt for a move to Ewood.

And, if the two clubs can agree on a financial package, then a deal could be done over the next few days -- though there is no immediate rush as Berkovic couldn't be registered in time to play in Wednesday's FA Cup replay against Derby County. "We've had a few other clubs interested from the Premier League," said Pini Zahavi, Berkovic's agent.

"But, because of his relationship with Graeme Souness and the fact we believe Blackburn are a good club with a great chance of promotion, we consider them as a strong option.

"He knows Egil Ostenstad from their days at Southampton and he produced 90 per cent of his goals.

"So he's heard about the club and the facilities.

"And we very much trust the manager.

"But let's just wait and see what happens." Zahavi has not ruled out the possibility of any loan deal becoming permanent, should the arrangement work out for both parties.

But Martin O'Neill today hinted the 28-year-old may still be able to salvage his Celtic career.

"I'm not pushing people out but, like anything else, there is always going to be a fall out of players," said O'Neill.

"If you're an international player then you want to be playing in the big games.

"And when international games are coming just around the corner it's even more important to be playing.

"Eyal could still play his way back into our plans if he had three good months at Blackburn.

"But the team has been doing particularly well and Eyal has not been part of it for some time -- sometimes through injury, sometimes through a lack of games.

"The less games you get at competitive level, the more difficult it is to go and do yourself justice when you do get a chance.

"Here's a chance for him to get some games under his belt and then take it on from there.

"I won't close the door on anyone here and I don't have any intention of doing so."