BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today threw maverick striker Ciccio Grabbi a vital lifeline by suggesting he could still have a crucial role to play for Rovers this season.

Grabbi, a £6.75 million signing from Ternana two years ago, has struggled to live up to his expensive price-tag in the past, leading Souness to admit he was willing to listen to offers for the Italian.

However, Egil Ostenstad's recent departure to Rangers could well have opened up a brand new window of opportunity for the 28-year-old forward.

And Souness has called on the former Juventus man to show he has the stomach to make the most of his second chance.

"Ciccio forever impresses me with his awareness and ability on the ball but we question his enthusiasm to run around at times," said Souness.

"There's no doubting his quality, though. He has great quality and if he doesn't look at the current situation and think 'there's an opening for me here now' then he never will.

"He could have a role to play for us this season if he wants to.

"Egil has gone so our five strikers now are Ciccio, Paul Gallagher, Matt Jansen, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke."

Souness has watched Grabbi on three separate occasions for the reserves this season.

He was at Morecambe's Christie Park again on Wednesday night to see him score in the 2-1 defeat against Leeds United.

And the Blackburn boss has already demonstrated his desire to include Grabbi more in the first team by naming him on the bench for each of his side's opening four Premiership matches of the new campaign.

Souness had hoped to add a striker to his squad before the transfer deadline but decided against moves for Arsenal's Francis Jeffers and West Brom's Jason Roberts, who have since joined Everton and Portsmouth respectively on season-long loan deals.

IPSWICH Town boss Joe Royle has confirmed the signing of Blackburn Rovers' Republic of Ireland international midfielder Alan Mahon on a three month loan deal.

"Alan has agreed to join us and he will be down for training on Monday," said Royle. "He will be in contention for a place in the team against West Brom next Saturday."