DOMINIC Matteo has called on his team-mates to stand up and be counted as Blackburn Rovers head for Chelsea this weekend.

Mark Hughes's side currently find themselves in the Premiership's bottom three after winning just one of their opening nine league games.

But Matteo is confident Rovers can dig themselves out of a hole, starting at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

"Results haven't gone as well as they should have this year and perhaps we've not performed," said Matteo.

"But it's a long season and, believe me, everybody's working hard to turn things around.

"It's time for everyone to stand up and be counted.

"You always look at yourself and think, you can do so much better.

"I don't think it's a lack of effort but maybe we are channelling it in the wrong way sometimes."

Rovers' hopes of climbing up the table suffered a set-back last week as they crashed 4-0 to Middlesbrough at Ewood.

That result has now increased the pressure on the players going into two tough games against Chelsea and Liverpool, who visit Ewood a week tomorrow.

However, Matteo personally can't wait for the chance to put things right on the pitch against two of the Premiership's heavyweights.

"All games are difficult but we look forward to them and just want to get out there and play," said the former Liverpool star.

"As a player, that's what you want to do - and you want to do well!"

Despite Rovers' struggles, Matteo insists he's enjoying life at Ewood after making the move from Leeds United in the summer.

"I'm very happy here and we've got a really good bunch of players," he added.