MAME Biram Diouf believes Ruben Rochina is ready to play a key role in Blackburn Rovers’ Premier League survival scrap after tipping him for a big Ewood Park future.

The former Barcelona striker made it four goals in as many reserve games since arriving from the Nou Camp in January with a brace in Monday night’s 4-4 draw with Newcastle, and Diouf insists he could make an immediate first team impact.

Manchester United loanee Diouf linked up effectively with Rovers’ £500,000 signing at Leigh on Monday night and has told the Lancashire Telegraph he believes Rochina is ready for the big time.

The 20-year-old Spaniard has played just 10 Premier League minutes since being signed as ‘one for the future’ by Steve Kean in January but continues to knock on the first team door with some starring second string performances.

Rovers travel to Everton on Saturday just three points clear of the drop zone and Diouf believes Rochina would be up for the challenge if called upon.

Diouf said: “I think Blackburn did really well by signing him and bringing him here because he is a great player. He has got the vision and looks really good playing just in front of the defenders.

“I am sure the gaffer will see that and might give him the chance to play on Saturday.

“You can see he is a great player and the more he grows here the better he is going to get as well.

"You can see his moment will come sooner rather than later.

"He is going to be one of the top players at this club.

“You have to trust players like this and give them time to play and you will see the results.

"You can see that with Junior Hoilett, he has got his chance and is doing a great job.

"You just have to trust the young players and they will give you what you want.

“He is a great player. You can see when he passes the ball there is a bit of Messi in him.

"He has the touch, the feeling and he has a footballing brain.

"His time will come and I am sure he will do very well for the club.”