CHRIS Samba believes everything is in place at Blackburn Rovers to achieve a top six place this season.

The giant Congo international has become a mainstay in the heart of Rovers' defence since completing a bargain £400,000 move from Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin.

And the 23-year-old has seen enough at Rovers already this season to know that they should be challenging at the higher echelons of the Premiership table.

"I think that we are a good side. Now we want to prove that we are a good side and to look for the top six," said Samba. "It's not too ambitious.

"Top four? Maybe. We will see. We have to concentrate on every next game that comes along. That's all we can do."

Rovers have enjoyed a solid start to their Premiership campaign, coming back from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on the opening day of the season, before sharing the spoils with Arsenal at Ewood Park last week.

And with a tough trip to Everton this evening, Samba admits it is important that Rovers keep their foot on the accelerator.

The former Berlin man added: "We've had a good start at the moment and our preparations have been good before we go to Everton.

"We are working hard to improve our game. We are getting better and better and we are looking forward to the game against Everton."

Samba joined Rovers out of relative obscurity when he completed his cut-price move from Berlin in the January transfer window.

But he has since forged a formidable centre-back parternership with Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen and could not be happier at Ewood.

"I'm happy at the moment and everything is going well," said Samba.

"I just hope it will be a big season for the club and that we can achieve a good season."

Samba heads to Goodison Park with his Rovers team-mates today knowing that he will not have to come across Yakubu.

He was given the job of marking the Nigerian international in Blackburn's win at the Riverside, but Everton are waiting on the results of a work permit application as they look to close out a £11.25million deal for the Middlesbrough hit-man.

Samba said: "He's a good striker. He will want to show to Everton fans that he's a good choice and that he is worth the money."