MIDFIELD enforcer Steven Reid has spelled out his determination to fire Blackburn back into Europe after finally emerging from his injury nightmare.

The Republic of Ireland international, who returned to action recently following 18 months out with back and knee problems, believes he is starting to recapture the kind of form that once made him a target for Tottenham in 2006.

The 26-year-old has made just 13 competitive appearances in Rovers' first-team since his injury problems first flared up during the opening weeks of last season.

But, whilst he admits he still has some way to go before getting back to his rampaging best, he's just grateful to be playing a part at all in Rovers' push for a top-six finish.

Reflecting on his recent perform-ances, a bullish Reid said: "I felt in the second half of the match against Middlesbrough that I was starting to get up to the standard of a season and a half ago.

"I'm starting to get the fitness back and although it is going to take a few more games, it's just pleasing to get another 90 minutes under my belt and hopefully I can now stay in there for the rest of the season."

There was one moment in particular during the second half of that game against Boro which confirmed to the fans that Reid is firmly back on the comeback trail.

As the ball broke loose deep inside the Boro half, the odds were heavily stacked against Reid as he flew into a meaty challenge with Boro's Fabio Rochemback, which left the Rovers midfielder with a split boot.

However, the fact he refused to pull out spoke volumes about his growing sense of confidence.

He said: "Having spent such a long time on the treatment table, a little kick here, and a ripped boot there, won't stop me.

"Unless it's a serious injury, I won't be getting any more treatment, that's for sure."

Reid is equally upbeat about Rovers' prospects of securing a top-six finish, even though some of the recent performances have been less than convincing.

The midfielder, who scored the goal that clinched a place in Europe two seasons ago, added: "A lot of the media aren't even mentioning Blackburn at the moment and that's how we like it.

"We are still well in the mix. We probably haven't played to our usual standards over the last month or so, but we are still well in there and if we can just improve 10 or 15 per cent then I've got no doubts that we will finish in that top six."