HE may be quickly establishing himself as one of the coolest defenders in the Premiership but Stephane Henchoz admits he is a million miles away from filling Chris Sutton's boots.

For while the elegant Swiss international defender has forged a formidable partnership with Colin Hendry in the heart of the Rovers defence, there is every chance he would decline the opportunity to spearhead their attack - especially after last Sunday's glaring open goal miss at Derby!

He said: "That was a very bad miss and it played on my mind for the rest of the game and I worried about it all the next day.

"With 25 minutes still to go I knew if I had scored we would have got something out of the game because Derby were under a lot of pressure. When the ball came to me I had a lot of time and could almost see the ball in the back of the net but I fired over.

"The look on my face told everyone just how I felt. I suppose that is why I am a defender and not a striker."

Henchoz, 23, was one of Roy Hodgson's first signings when he snapped him up from Hamburg - and he has been a virtual ever-present in defence since the beginning of the season, missing only three games.

But he has only reverted to a defensive role from a more familiar midfield position in the last three years and that is probably the reason why he is so comfortable on the ball.

He added: "Up until I was 19 or 20 I always played in midfield so that is why I am very comfortable passing the ball about but saying that I know when to just kick the ball into the crowd if I need to.

"I am having a terrific time at the club.

"There are some excellent players here and the fans have been superb."

Henchoz knows that Rovers must get back to their winning ways in the Premiership after three games without a win which has seen them drop down to third position.

This Saturday Aston Villa come to Ewood Park and Rovers will be looking to complete their first 'double' of the season, having already beaten Brian Little's men 4-0 at Villa Park in August.

Henchoz said: "Manchester United have opened up a gap now but we will not give up the chase for the title. But our main aim all season has been to finish in the top six and qualify for Europe."

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