BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today said Egil Ostenstad could still have a role to play at Ewood next season.

It had been mooted that Rovers were considering offering the Norwegian international a pay-off this summer as he enters the final year of his current contract.

However, Souness's decision not to sign Hakan Sukur on a permanent deal has opened up another window of opportunity for the former Southampton star, although a move for another striker has not been completely ruled out.

"At this moment in time, Egil has another year left to run on his contract and I've got to say he's still part of my plans," said Souness.

Ostenstad's first team appearances have been strictly limited since he joined Rovers from the Saints as part of the swap deal involving Kevin Davies.

At one point, he had fallen so far down the pecking order that he was told to train with players from the club's Academy.

However, the 31-year-old then answered an emergency call from Souness during the first part of last season after injuries had robbed the Rovers boss of both Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke at one point.

And the manager was so impressed with his attitude that he has kept him in and around his first team squad ever since.

As things stand, Cole and Yorke are again expected to start next season as the first choice strike-pair.

But Souness is hoping Matt Jansen can stake a strong claim for a recall during pre-season training, with Ostenstad set to be the next in line in front of both Paul Gallagher and Ciccio Grabbi.

Meanwhile, Rovers will find out next week which of their Premiership games up to Christmas will be screened live on Sky.

The satellite company are currently sifting through the fixture list and drawing up their programme schedule in preparation for the forthcoming campaign.