ROY HODGSON has praised the latest star player to sign a long-term contract at Ewood Park by insisting that Billy McKinlay is more than just a tough-tackler. The blond bomber has been in the form of his life this season to help guide Rovers into the top three of the Premiership - and has been rewarded with a lucrative four-year deal to keep him at the club until 2001.

But while the dynamic Scottish midfielder has been noted for his no-nonsense tackling, Hodgson was quick to point out that there is more to McKinlay's game than meets the eye.

Hodgson said: "It would be unfair to say that Billy is no more than just a tough tackler, although he is very good in that department. Billy has all-round ability and is a fine passer of the ball, reads the game well and has very good vision.

"Billy is a very important part of Blackburn Rovers and so far has had a very good season. I am glad we have signed him up again because it shows our commitment to hanging on to our star players."

He added: "I am in a fortunate position in that in Tim Sherwood, Garry Flitcroft, Lars Bohinen and Billy I have four talented central midfield players. To say competition is intense is an understatement because at times it is inhuman.

"But all the players are professional about it and although they would all like to be in the side on a permanent basis they all know the situation." McKinlay, signed from Dundee United in October 1995 for £1.75m, said: "I am delighted to sign this new deal. I feel settled at the club where there is clearly a tremendous appetite for success and I look forward to playing my part."

Rovers championship credentials will be put to the test over the coming weeks with games against genuine title contenders Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea - starting with the visit of Ruud Gullit's foreign legion on Saturday.

But it looks likely that Hodgson will have to take on the classy Londoners without Colin Hendry, who is still struggling with the knee injury he picked up against Barnsley and forced him to miss the 3-2 victory against Everton.

Rovers could have done with Hendry in the heart of their defence especially with Italian hot-shot Gianluca Vialli returning to form with 10 goals to his name so far this season.

Hodgson added: "Colin hasn't trained all week and will have a late fitness test. But the problem has gone on a bit longer than we would have liked and it looks very unlikely that he will play against Chelsea." "But compared to other teams we have been very fortunate with injuries for apart from Colin Hendry only Martin Dahlin is my main injury worry."

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