BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today called on Paul Gallagher to prove he has the desire to become a regular in his starting line-up next season.

Gallagher has been in red-hot form on Rovers' pre-season tour of Germany, scoring three goals in his two friendly appearances so far to make him the club's leading scorer over here.

Now Souness wants the young Scot to start reproducing that form in the Premiership and he's ready to give him the chance to show he can muscle his way into the side ahead of Paul Dickov and Jon Stead.

"There's no doubt Gally has the quality to play at the highest level. All he has to show is a real desire, as Jon Stead showed with us last season," said Souness.

"He'll be given a chance so it's up to him. He's got someone to learn from in Paul Dickov, who's a great example for young lads to look at and say 'that's how I should be going about my business'."

Gallagher has undoubtedly been Rovers' star performer over here and he's not just doing it in the games, either.

At the end of training every day this week, Dean Saunders, the first team coach, has put on an extra session for the strikers where they've worked on finishing and Gallagher has looked far sharper than any of his colleagues.

However, no one can afford to rest on their laurels in the battle for places up front as Souness has not ruled out bringing in another striker before the transfer deadline expires at the end of next month.

"We've now got Matt Jansen, young Paul Gallagher, young Jon Stead and Paul Dickov but I'm looking to strengthen in that area and we are actively looking," added Souness.

In the meantime, Rovers are back in action tonight with a game against Bohemians Prague in Ulm.

Souness is looking on the match as the first 'proper' game of Rovers' pre-season programme and the Czechs are likely to provide stiffer opposition than anything the players have encountered here so far.

Apart from a few minor aches and niggles, Rovers are in good health generally and Souness should have a full-strength squad to pick from.

The team then fly back to England from Stuttgart tomorrow.