SAM Allardyce believes he could have found a shock solution to some of Blackburn Rovers’ firepower woes – with Morten Gamst Pedersen un-expectedly emerging as a ‘striking contender’.

The Norwegian midfielder starred as Rovers’ target man in Tuesday night’s Carling Cup victory over Norwich, playing a part in all three of Mame Biram Diouf’s goals, and Allardyce admits he is now a serious option for his forward line.

Pedersen spent the majority of last season with his Ewood Park future shrouded in uncertainty but, ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League visit of Arsenal, Allardyce admits his continued presence is invaluable.

Now, with a new four-year deal under his belt, Pedersen is enjoying a new lease of life in East Lancashire with his striking performance given his boss more food for thought.

Allardyce said: “Morten played up which is what he did in Sydney in one of our games and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with him up front again.

“It is a nice alternative for us seeing him playing at the top end and delivering the balls he did and making the sort of runs he did and he provided a lot of good opportunities for players to score.

“I don’t see why Morten can’t be a serious option up front for us. The only problem is he is playing so well in the middle for us it is difficult to move him.

“But I don’t see why not. Norwich are a Championship side and he has caused them lots and lots of problems with his movement and his creative runs and played well off Mame when he needed to.

"It is a nice alternative for me.”

While Diouf remains Rovers’ only signing so far this summer, Rovers have been busy in offering new deals to the likes of Pedersen, Martin Olsson, Steven Nzonzi, Phil Jones and Grant Hanley.

And Allardyce insists the importance of securing Pedersen’s Rovers future can not be underestimated, even if some still take the Norwegian for granted.

Allardyce said: “This was a major, major signing. This was like spending the best part of six to eight million pounds on a new player.

"I don’t think anyone realised that because he is taken for granted for being here so long.

“Moving him inside last year started giving him more opportunities in possession but at the start of the season he has been outstanding for us.

“He is really enjoying his football, really enjoys the football club he has been at for a long time.

"He knows everybody, is comfortable with that and looks forward to playing and training every day.

“He is one of the happiest lads I have ever met. A four-year contract has given him a new lease of life because it is a nice security blanket behind him.

"It has helped him.

“He played well at the back end of last season but has got better and better.”