OUT of favour defender Darren Peacock has joined West Ham on a one month loan.

Hammers boss Harry Redknapp moved in for the 32-year-old centre back after injuries have robbed him of Rio Ferdinand and Javier Margas, while Igor Stimac is currently suspended.

And Rovers chief executive John Williams believes it's the ideal opportunity for the former Newcastle man to put himself in the shop window.

"There has been a lot of interest in Darren recently," said Williams.

"His agent spoke to Harry Redknapp yesterday and they managed to sort something out.

"And it could well develop into a long-term thing if he does okay.

"But, in any event, it's a great opportunity for him to put himself in the shop window and stoke up a bit more interest from the other clubs who have expressed an interest."

Several leading First Division clubs have enquired about the experienced stopper.

And Redknapp believes he will do a top job at Upton Park as cover for his Premiership stars.

"I've always said that the size of my squad would be a problem," said Redknapp.

"We are really short of centre halves at the moment and Peacock is a good competitor, a fit lad and he wants to give it a go."

Souness is stepping up his own efforts for defensive cover with St Etienne's Lucien Mettomo and Manchester United's Henning Berg still top of his wanted list.

He also revealed Rovers tried to sign Emerson Thome from Chelsea in the summer before Sunderland came in with a bigger offer.