IF Graeme Souness wants to freshen up his squad this summer then how about making a cheeky bid for Burnley's Richard Chaplow?

Blackburn Rovers need to inject more energy and drive into their midfield and Chaplow could be just the man to provide it.

As part of my duties as a scout for the England youth set-up, I've watched a number of young players in action this season.

And out of all of them, Chaplow's probably the one who's excited me the most.

Although he's far from the finished article, he's a young man with huge potential and if I was a Premiership manager working to a limited budget then I'd be tempted to take a gamble.

He's got a quality I haven't seen in any other midfield player of his age before.

The thing which stands out for me is his capacity to get forward and score goals.

He's got a wonderful engine for a 19-year-old and if someone can get hold of him then he has the ability to become a real player.

As I've said before in this column, I think he's reached the point where he needs to leave Burnley and test himself at a higher level.

You only really find out how good a player is when you throw him in against the best and he'd certainly get that challenge in the Premiership.

Don't forget, there were people questioning Jon Stead's ability to play in the Premiership before he signed for Rovers and just look at him now!

Too many managers these days are not prepared to take a gamble on talent from the lower leagues but let me assure you there's still plenty of young players down there who'd do a decent job if only someone would give them the chance.

The beauty about signing Chaplow is he wouldn't cost a fortune.

If it doesn't work out, then you haven't bankrupted the club in a single stroke.

But if it does then you've picked up a diamond for next to nothing.

Rovers are crying out for more drive and energy in midfield.

I know they've still got David Thompson and Barry Ferguson to return next season and that in itself will feel like two new signings.

But I'm always slightly concerned about players who've been out for such a long time and, realistically, it could take them several months to get back up to speed again.

As for the rest, Tugay is capable of opening up any defence on his day with a clever pass or a piece of trickery.

And Garry Flitcroft is a wonderfully committed player who can add some bite when the tackles are flying.

What we are missing, though, is that special player -- someone who can make runs beyond the strikers and weigh in with his fair share of goals.

Chappy could give you that, providing he had the right players around him, and he'd also give Graeme the option of going to five in midfield with him bombing on.

It would be a gamble, of course, because we're talking about a player who's still unproven at Premiership level.

And then there's the issue of how the fans might take to a guy who's Burnley born and bred, but if he gave us that 'wow' factor then surely that wouldn't be a problem.