JUBILANT Blackburn boss Graeme Souness hailed his Rovers players after they celebrated the New Year in style with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

Dwight Yorke was the hero after grabbing the second half winner which took Rovers' festive points haul to eight from four games over the Christmas period.

And a delighted Souness was quick to describe it as a job well done as he prepared to switch his attentions to Saturday's FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.

"We have to be pleased with how we've performed over the last 10 days or so," said the Rovers boss.

"To take eight points from 12 at this stage of the season is very satisfying and we were a couple of minutes away from beating West Ham, too, but I can't complain about the Christmas we've had.

"It's been a good holiday period for us, other than the two hamstring injuries which is a bit of a blow."

Both sides appeared to be suffering from the effects of a hectic Christmas programme during a dour first half but a half-time pep-talk from Souness produced a positive response.

Yorke's seventh goal of the season in the 58th minute ended up proving decisive as Rovers gained suitable revenge for an agonising defeat at the Riverside earlier in the season.

"I thought it was a case of two tired teams in the first half but we came back strongly in the second half and I felt we deserved it in the end," said Souness.

"I thought Andy Cole was outstanding and Dwight got the goal, but quality is something that will always come out as long as you apply a proper work ethic.

"So as long as we can keep them fit going into the second half of the season then they will get better and better."

Those thoughts were also echoed by Keith Gillespie who played a prominent part in the winning goal following his introduction as a second half substitute.

"I thought the first half was a bit scrappy and it was a bit boring to watch actually at times because we probably cancelled each other out more than anything," said Gillespie.

"But in the second half, we seemed to get to grips with the game a bit more, we created a few chances and we limited them to very little in the end.

"I haven't played too many games recently so I felt really fresh when I came on.

"It was good that the manager gave me 45 minutes straight from half-time because sometimes when you come on 10 minutes into the second half it can take you time to get to grips with the game.

"So it was important to me to get those 45 minutes in and it was pleasing to be part of the victory."