SPANISH starlet Ruben Rochina has told Steve Kean ‘I’m ready when you are’ as the Rovers boss toys with unleashing the former Barcelona man from the start in today’s crucial visit to Everton.

The 20-year-old has put himself into contention for a full Premier League debut with a string of starring displays for the reserves, scoring four goals in as many appearances.

Rochina’s £500,000 arrival from the Nou Camp at the end of January was overshadowed at the time by the £3.5million capture of Argentine playmaker Mauro Formica.

But now, after taking to life in England quicker than expected, Rochina has become a serious first team option for Kean ahead of a tense relegation run-in.

Rovers travel to Goodison Park just three points clear of the drop zone and, without a win in eight Premier League matches, desperate to build some momentum.

The in-form Junior Hoilett is still being monitored over a hamstring injury picked up at the weekend, despite the news it was nothing serious, with Kean admitting Rochina is in his thoughts.

The Spaniard said: “My stay at Blackburn has been very good so far, I like this very much. I am working hard to play well and I am enjoying it so far.

“I do believe I am ready for the Premier League. I think it is possible, and that is what I am working for. Maybe next year will be the better time for me though.

“I know Blackburn are in a difficult position at the moment in the Premier League but I think we will stay up. I think I can help if the manager decides, this is what I have come for.

“I am playing for this season firstly. Next season is the season we were really looking at but it is possible I can help this season.

This is good for me and possible. Anything that happens this season is extra but I believe I can do something to help the team.”

Kean warned Rovers fans not to expect too much too soon from Rochina or Formica after snapping them up on transfer deadline day, insisting they would need time to adjust to life in England.

Formica’s progress has been hampered by an injury but Rochina, who didn’t speak a word of English, appears to be quickly getting into the swing of things.

Rochina said: “Roque Santa Cruz and Michel Salgado have helped me a lot and I thank them for that. They have helped me with everything, with the house and everything and I thank them for that.

“It is a different style to Spain. Spain is more passing and in England it is maybe longer balls and more physical, this is good for me, I like this.

“I like the physical side of the game, I don’t have a problem with this style. For a striker it is always good to score goals, that is important. I am happy to score two goals for the reserves on Monday and will try to keep doing this.

“There are obviously some very good players at Barcelona and I learnt a lot from them. I came to England to play more football. At first Barcelona would not let me leave this season but then they spoke again with Blackburn and said yes. It is good for me.”

Rochina has played just 10 Premier League minutes since arriving in England in January but Kean insists he has not doubt the starlet is ready for the challenge.

Kean said: “Ruben is a quality player and his performances in training and for the reserves have been fantastic. I have been disappointed I have not been able to play him because of injuries to other players.

“I think he has a good chance of being involved and possibly even starting.

“Full credit to the way he has settled into life in England. He has been taking his lessons at the training ground, he has been trying to mix and sit with the English lads at lunch and on the bus and has done really well.”