CRAIG Short today backed Blackburn Rovers to start soaring up the Premiership table - although he has vowed to make sure that doesn't happen at the expense of Sheffield United this weekend.

The veteran defender, who recently postponed his retirement plans to sign a new one-year contract with the Blades, admits he's surprised to see Rovers propping up the rest of the Premier League three games into the new campaign.

But, although Short reckons it's only a matter of time before Mark Hughes' side get their act together, he and his United team-mates are determined that revival won't start at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The 38-year-old, who was a hugely popular figure during his six-year spell at Ewood, said: "I must admit I didn't expect to see Blackburn down at the bottom, but then I think they're in a false position.

"I know the Portsmouth fixture on the opening day was always going to be a tough one, particularly after what they did in the transfer market over the summer, and I heard that Blackburn didn't play very well.

"Then they had Everton at home, when Rovers were the better side, but they got an equaliser late on.

"I then watched the Chelsea game and thought Blackburn were the better side, certainly in the first half, so it's not doom and gloom.

"At the end of the day, it's only three games into the new season and in two games' time, they could be in a top six position."

While Short's words of comfort will no doubt hearten those within the corridors of power at Ewood, the rugged centre-back does not intend to extend the same generosity on the pitch on Saturday if he recovers from a thigh injury in time to face his former club.

With United also desperate for points to kick-start their campaign - Neil Warnock's side are just one place above Blackburn in the table having also taken one point from their opening three games - there will be no room for sentiment when the Premiership's bottom two go head-to-head.

"It's a big game for both clubs because we're both still looking for our first wins of the season," said Short.

"We need the three points just as much as Blackburn do, if not more so, because we've got some tough fixtures coming up, like Arsenal away.

"That's why I think it's going to be a very tight game.

"Our manager has already spoken about Blackburn and what they achieved last year with a relatively small squad and small budget, so, like me, I think he's surprised to see them where they are.

"He's been asking me a few questions about them, and I've told him how organised they are, mainly because of the good coaching they've had over the last couple of years."

Short still keeps in regular contact with several members of Rovers' playing staff, but he will resist the temptation to pump them for information before this weekend's clash.

He added: "I think our manager would like to know the team but I don't think I'm going to get to know that from any of the lads.

"To be honest, I wouldn't put them under any pressure to tell me anyway because it wouldn't be fair on them!"