REJUVENATED midfielder Steven Reid has hailed Paul Dickov as Blackburn Rovers' answer to Robbie Savage.

The Scottish international striker's boundless energy and enthusiasm has been the catalyst for a recent revival in Rovers' fortunes.

And Reid insists Dickov's gladiatorial qualities are now as important to Blackburn as Savage's have become to Birmingham City.

Two second half equalisers from Dickov in the last two away games have been instrumental in Rovers' stringing together a three-match unbeaten run.

But it's the 32-year-old's all-round performances up front that have earned him the respect and admiration of his team-mates.

"Paul Dickov must be a nightmare for defenders to play against," said Reid.

"They don't get any time on the ball against him and in the last two games in particular, he's been doing the work of two men up front because Jay Bothroyd got sent off (at Norwich) and Jon Stead went off injured (against Manchester City).

"It's brilliant having someone like Paul up there. Dickie wears his heart on his sleeve just like Robbie does for Birmingham.

"They both give 110 per cent every time they step onto the field and that sets the tone for everyone else to follow."

Dickov and Savage come face to face at Ewood Park tomorrow and it's inevitable that sparks will fly as both are fierce competitors with a reputation for being fiery.

Savage, in particular, positively revels in winding up opposing players and fans with his aggressive style.

But Reid is adamant Rovers are ready to give as good as they get if it means recording only a second home win of the season.

"It's well documented that Robbie likes to wind people up," said the Rovers midfielder.

"A few weeks ago against Newcastle he had a little spat with Graeme Souness and I think that's part of his game - he likes to get in amongst the opposition.

"But, hopefully, that won't be a problem tomorrow. We've just got to go out and play our own game and if we get stuck into him as well then I'm sure he won't like it."

Passion should flow in abundance as both sides are in need of a win to ease the pressure at the foot of the Premier League table.

Birmingham have made a disappointing start to the season considering the amount of money they splashed out on new signings in the summer and another defeat at the hands of Rovers would drag them right back into the mire.

"We know if we get a good result we can drag Birmingham right back into it," said Reid.

"We've put this little run together which should give us more confidence for the games ahead but we need to start picking up three points.

"No-one seems to be pulling away at the minute, so if we can put two or three wins together then we could suddenly find ourselves in mid-table."

In the meantime, Reid is revelling at the opportunity to have an extended run in the side.

The Republic of Ireland international has started each of the last five games and he's determined to make the most of the chance Mark Hughes has given him.

"In the whole of last season I think I only played one full 90 minutes so it's been nice to get five of them under my belt," said Reid, whose first year at Rovers was dogged by injuries.

"But I'm still going into every game as if it will be my last because if I think like that then hopefully I'll keep the shirt and make it hard for the manager to drop me."