Tugay vital to Rovers, says Souness

TWO excellent team performances have seen Blackburn beat Manchester United and more than match Liverpool, but manager Graeme Souness believes there is not a man in his side playing better than Tugay.

The Turkish midfielder looked somewhat off the pace for the first couple of months of the season but in the last few games has been reproducing the form he showed as his country finished third in the World Cup.

Tugay was the dominating force in midfield against United and Liverpool, outshining Juan Sebastian Veron and Steven Gerrard, and has been a pivotal influence in Blackburn enjoying a successful festive period.

Souness said: "Tugay at the moment is the Tugay I knew as a young boy. He's got great enthusiasm and he's very fortunate to have natural fitness.

His technique is second to none the way he manipulates the ball, passes the ball, sees the picture.

West Ham are the next side to pit their wits against Blackburn and after their displays against United and Liverpool there should be nothing for Rovers to fear from the Premiership's bottom side though the following match against an improving Middlesbrough looks more tricky.

Souness, of course, is preaching caution. The Scot added: "We have played two top teams and it's not just the points but the way we have played against them has been very encouraging.

"The challenge for our players going into the next two home games is to get themselves up to the level of determination that got them the points from United and Liverpool.

The Hammers were beaten 7-1 at Ewood Park last season and with Andy Cole sharp again and the defence uncharacteristically mean there could be more misery for Glenn Roeder.

Lucas Neill is suspended for Rovers and is likely to be replaced by John Curtis. David Dunn is back in the squad after missing the 1-1 draw at Liverpool with a calf problem.

Meanwhile, Souness said he is still trying to sort out a couple of loan signings for when the transfer window opens on January 1. Craig Hignett's loan deal to Coventry is likely to be extended by a further month.

West Ham boss Glenn Roeder expects Steve Lomas to recover from injury in time to face Blackburn.

The Northern Ireland midfielder hurt his ankle in a crunching tackle during yesterday's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Upton Park.

Freddie Kanoute, who played 67 minutes on his comeback after three months out with a groin injury, has also been passed fit again. Edouard Cisse is not likely to feature after his bout of chicken pox.