BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is hoping Jeff Kenna could be back in time for the start of the new season.

The Republic of Ireland international is currently recuperating from a long-term Achilles tendon injury which has kept him out of action since the FA Cup tie at Liverpool in January.

But Ewood chief Souness today confirmed Kenna is making good progress and he could be back sooner than anticipated.

"We are hoping Jeff will be ready to start training with the rest of the group," said Souness.

"That may be a little bit ambitious at this stage and it could be that he has to take it steady for a while.

"But he's not too far away."

Souness has yet to see Kenna appear in a Rovers shirt since he took charge at Ewood three months ago. But the 29-year-old right back is still very much part of his long-term plans -- despite the recent signing of John Curtis from Manchester United.

"Jeff is an experienced player with quality and I am looking to get him as fit as possible as quickly as possible," said Souness.

"I know I've not seen him play for Rovers but he's a player I know plenty about.

"And we once actually played on the same team together in a testimonial for Francis Benali at Southampton.

"It's vitally important that we have competition for places next season because I believe that brings out the best in people if they've got anything about them."

As well as Kenna and Curtis, Souness also has Simon Grayson as an option at right-back.

And the Ewood chief has urged the former Villa man to fight for his place -- despite the fact the 30-year-old now thinks he could be surplus to requirements.

"I want players who are prepared to fight for their place," said Souness.

"And as long as Simon Grayson is at the club he must roll his sleeves up and fight for his shirt."

The future of Scottish international defender Callum Davidson has also been the subject of intense speculation recently.

Souness today said he knew nothing about supposed interest from West Ham United and Middlesbrough.

But he could be a player who may be made available if Rovers complete the signing of Stig Inge Bjornebye from Liverpool.