RE-BORN Rovers striker Matt Jansen believes Graeme Souness has resurrected his career during his five months at Ewood.

The England Under 21 international forward has struggled to light the blue-touch paper following his move from Crystal Palace.

But now the rejuvenated 22-year-old is starting to show the kind of form which persuaded Rovers to part with £4m for him 18 months ago.

And Jansen insists it's all down to the Souness factor after his latest starring role in Rovers' 2-0 victory over his old club at the weekend.

"Graeme has given me a new lease of life since he arrived at the club," said Jansen.

"He's told me he doesn't want me wasting energy twisting and turning with my back to goal.

"Instead, he wants me to lay it off early and then get the ball back when I'm facing people, because that's when I can cause the most damage.

"Under the new system we are playing, I'm now out on the right, which has given me the licence to roam off Nathan Blake.

"And it seems to suit my game. "Nathan's a great player to play off and he seems to have turned things around for himself after being told he could leave in the summer.

"We are starting to build up an impressive understanding together.

"The whole team were desperate to get off to a winning start on Saturday because we were all feeling the pressure a bit after the game had been so hyped up.

"Last season was difficult because we were under so much pressure to come

straight back up.

"I think we thought we just had to turn up in some games to get a result.

"Then we got off to a bad start and never really recovered after that."

"But, now we have got off the mark with a win, hopefully, that can set us

up for the rest of the season."

Souness has also been impressed by Jansen and believes he could become one of his key players over the course of the coming campaign, provided he keeps his feet firmly on the ground.

"Matt Jansen has come on in leaps and bounds," said Souness.

"In the last two games of last season he was our best player against Palace and then Manchester City.

"And, if he sticks with it and does not get carried away in his own publicity, then he has a big future."