RUBEN Rochina pressed his first team case this evening with a sublime display in Rovers reserves' 4-4 draw with Newcastle.

The 20-year-old former Barcelona striker has only played 10 Premier League minutes since arriving in January but continues to give boss Steve Kean food for thought.

Playing just behind lone striker Mame Biram Diouf, Rochina scored twice and created Diouf's opener in an individual performance full of poise and creativity.

Manchester United loanee Diouf also impressed as he bids to earn a starting place for Saturday's crucial trip to Everton.

The game started at a lively pace with both sides going close in the opening few minutes.

Spanish striker Ruben Rochina saw his audacious 60-yard lob sail harmlessly wide in the opening 60 seconds before Mame Biram Diouf was denied by goalkeeper Tim Krul after being sent clear on goal.

The visitors had their chances to with Michael Richardson being denied by a smart save from Jake Kean on 10 minutes.

Philip Airey broke the deadlock from the penalty spot on 17 minutes, after Adam Henley had been penalised for a rash push on Patrick McLaughlin.

Rovers weren't behind for long with a moment of brilliance from Rochina pulling them level on 23.

The Spaniard was sent clear on goal by the tireless Mame Biram Diouf and he sublimely lifted the ball over the falling Krul for the equaliser.

The returning Grant Hanley kept Rovers level with a brave goal line block from Bradden Inman on 33, and the Newcastle midfielder fired his follow up shot onto the post.

Kean then did well to smother the ball at the feet of Richardson on 37 before Diouf fired Rovers ahead just seconds later, calmly rounding Krul after a defensive error.

Mauro Formica was quietly growing into the game from the right wing and almost scored on the stroke of half time, seeing a powerful drive parried wide by Krul.

Rochina made it four goals in as many reserve games for Rovers on 53 minutes after coolly collecting the ball in the penalty area and firing home via Krul's legs.

Ryan Donaldson pulled a goal back for the visitors on 70 minutes before Airey equalised nine minutes later.

Newcastle then looked to have sealed an impressive fight back as James Perch's header five minutes from time gave them a 4-3 lead.

Rovers refused to give up and Michael Potts earned his side a point in the dying seconds with a curling finish after a driving run.

ROVERS: Kean, Ramm, Henley, Pearson, Hanley, O'Connor, Formica (Hitchcock 85), Potts, MB Diouf (Evans 74), Rochina (Osawe 74), Morris SUBS: Dilo, Molina,