BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today called on supporters to get off the back of want-away midfielder Lee Carsley.

Angered by the player's desire to leave Ewood this summer, the Republic of Ireland international was booed and jeered by fans during Saturday's clash against Everton.

But Souness has confirmed Carsley WILL play in tomorrow night's friendly against Leeds United at Ewood.

And he wants to call a truce between the fans and the player before the situation gets out of hand.

"I can understand their frustrations but Lee is still contracted to us and, as long as that is the case, he will be used by this club in whatever way we see neccessary," said Souness.

"I want the supporters to forget what's happened and support all 11 of our players out on the pitch.

"We are still paying Lee's wages and as long as that's the case then we will utilise his ability.

"I know supporters only want players here who are committed to the cause.

"But I can assure them that every time Lee pulls on a Rovers shirt he will give nothing less than 110 per cent. "He's still committed to the cause and as long as he's here that will remain the case.

"He's my kind of player and I don't want to let him go unless I have to."

Carsley dropped a pre-season bombshell when he told Souness of his desire to play in the Premier League over the summer.

Since then, the 26-year-old has failed to appear in any of Rovers' four pre-season friendlies so far.

An ankle injury forced him out of the two-game tour of Germany.

And he was then overlooked for last week's game against Wrexham.

Souness brought him back into the fold for Everton's visit to Ewood on Saturday.

But the former Derby man -- who joined Rovers just 16 months ago in a £3.35m deal from Pride Park -- remained an unused substitute after fans gave him a hostile welcome when he warmed up on the touchline.

However, with Craig Hignett and David Dunn both ruled out of tomorrow's game, Carsley will definitely start.

Hignett's Achilles injury means he may now have to wait until Saturday's game in Dublin before getting his second run out following his £2.25m move.

And Dunn should also be back in time for the weekend after limping out of the Everton game with a bruised foot.

"Craig isn't progressing quite as quickly as we thought but it's nothing to get too concerned about," said Souness.