ROVERS boss Paul Ince believes Keith Andrews has always had Premier League potential and predicts the midfielder’s best is yet to come.

The former MK Dons man struck a 25-yard last-gasp equaliser in Saturday’s thrilling 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns – with Ince insisting Andrews’ impact has been no surprise.

The 28-year-old’s arrival at Ewood from League One in August raised a few eyebrows, with many questioning his ability to make the step up from football’s lower leagues.

But, after a spell adjusting to the pace of the Premier League, the Irishman has started to repay Ince’s faith, with starring roles against both Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.

Andrews is likely to retain his slot in the heart of Rovers’ midfield for Sunday’s visit of Premier League title chasers Chelsea, alongside fellow new boy Vince Grella, and Ince is confident the Rovers faithful ‘ain’t seen nothing yet’.

Ince said: “Keith has been different class. I just felt we had to introduce him to the Premiership slowly.

“You have to adjust to the pace, it is a hectic league, it is a lot quicker than League One and Two and you have seen signs the last couple of games that he is starting to find his feet and show what a very good player he is.

“If you left your job and had to go and do some reporting in Italy it would take you time to adjust. We never had any doubt Keith would be an asset at this level.

“But there is more to come from the lad. I know him well and would not have brought him to the club if I didn’t think he would improve the squad.”

As well as finally realising his top-flight dream, Andrews’ Premier League elevation has re-ignited his international aspirations.

Just two months into his Rovers adventure he made his debut for Republic of Ireland B, and was quickly called into the senior squad for the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus a week later.

Having dropped down into League Two with MK Dons only in 2006, many would have written of his chances of playing for his country - but Ince insists it was only a matter of time.

He said: “Keith has done nothing wrong and is in the Republic of Ireland squad, which should have happened two years ago.

“Its funny how suddenly when he comes here he gets in it, when he was playing so well for MK Dons he never got near it.

“It just shows what a fantastic player he is and will be.”