CHELSEA striker Eidur Gudjohnsen could be the man to fire Blackburn Rovers into the Champions League next season.

Manager Mark Hughes is keen on bringing the Icelandic international to Ewood Park this summer, and if he succeeds in pulling off a deal then it would be a sensational coup to rival the capture of Craig Bellamy a year ago.

To be honest, I've always been a big fan of Gudjohnsen's, right from his early days at Bolton Wanderers, and I honestly believe he would be a fantastic signing for a club in Blackburn's position.

When I think of Eidur Gudjohnsen, I think of a very intelligent footballer.

He's got great technical ability, he holds the ball up well, and though he's not as good as Teddy Sheringham was in his prime, a lot of what he does do in and around the box reminds me of Teddy.

He's not blessed with exceptional pace, but he more than compensates for that by using his brain to devastating effect, and one of his great qualities is he rarely gives the ball away.

In other words, he has all the right attributes to be the perfect foil for Bellamy in a new-look Blackburn attack.

The only problem is if Eidur does decide to quit Chelsea this summer then most of the top clubs in the Premiership will try to sign him.

His preferred choice would probably be a move to another Champions League club, and Manchester United have already been touted as a possible destination.

But if - and it's a big if' at this stage - he doesn't secure a move to another top four team then you could see Rovers suddenly become a viable alternative.

Unlike many of his rivals, Mark Hughes could offer Gudjohnsen UEFA Cup football next season, and the fact he once played for Bolton means he's already familiar with living in the North West.

It's going to be difficult for Rovers to improve on sixth place next season given the way the Premier League is made up.

Chelsea will be odds-on favourites to win the league again, and Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal will be desperately trying to hang on to their coat tails.

But Rovers came close to breaking up that cartel this time, and with one or two shrewd additions over the summer they might just be able to go that one stage further.

Signing Gudjohnsen would be a major step in the right direction. Although he's never been a prolific goalscorer, he would still chip in with his fair share, as well as making goals for others.

Out of all the strikers mentioned as potential targets - Emile Heskey, Chris Sutton and John Hartson are also thought to be in the frame - Gudjohnsen looks the standout candidate.

So keep your fingers crossed that Mark can work another one of his miracles in the transfer market this summer.