KEVIN Davies gave Brian Kidd a timely reminder of just what he can do by destroying Derby with a stunning four goal blast at Ewood Park last night, writes ANDY NEILD.

The £7.25m frontman, who has endured a nightmare time since joining Rovers from Southampton in the summer, slammed home a stunning opener and added three more second half goals before eventually being withdrawn from the action with 20 minutes left. The game was only five minutes old when Davies received the ball with his back to goal, spun off his marker and bent an exquisite effort into the top corner.

Rovers dominated the rest of the half and should have gone further ahead as Ben Burgess and Jimmy Corbett both went close with efforts. County got back on level terms 15 minutes after the break when Keith Brown defelected a left-wing cross past Alan Fettis into the roof of his own net.

But that was Davies's cue to take centre stage.

Rovers record signing met Burgess's left-wing centre with a thumping volley to put the home side back in front.

And he smashed home a cross from the right minutes later to complete his hat-trick.

Bristling with confidence, Davies added a fourth with another cool finish before being replaced by Gary Hamilton with 20 minutes left.

But Rovers didn't let up in the closing stages as Hamilton helped himself to two goals of his own to complete a memorable night for the second string. Reserve team coach Terry Darracott said: "It was a smashing win - you can't ask for any more than that - and I'm delighted for Kevin.

"He's like any other striker in football in that he needs goals to give him confidence and that should have done him the world of good."

Rovers: Fettis, Richardson, Brown, Scates, Broomes, Taylor, Corbett, Dunn, Burgess, Davies, Fitzpatrick. Subs: Hamilton (for Davies, 70), McAvoy (For Corbett, 60), D Dunning (for Scates, 75), Murphy and Williams not used.

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