BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today hailed Jonathan Stead as a 'revelation' for his part in reviving Rovers' survival chances.

The 21-year-old striker grabbed his fourth goal in eight games when he netted a priceless winner at Fulham on Monday night.

And now Souness hopes his young protege can keep that hot-streak going against Leicester this afternoon as Rovers look to bury their Ewood hoodoo after a five month winless streak.

"Jon has been nothing short of a revelation," said Souness.

"He's scored a goal in every other game, which isn't bad for someone who's come out of the Third Division.

"If he doesn't score another goal this season then he's still been a very good signing for us.

"It's very easy to talk about past events but from the first time I met him he had such a positive attitude.

"It's not a cocky attitude, it's a positive attitude and he was taking it as a matter of fact that he was going to do well at this level.

"As teams have found, he's a handful, he's quick, he's athletic, he's willing and he's a good striker of the ball as well."

Stead's second half winner at Loftus Road gave Rovers fresh hope in their battle to avoid relegation, particularly as it came just two days after last weekend's defeat at home to Leeds. Now Souness hopes his players can build on that by winning back-to-back games for only the second time this season.

A win against Leicester would see Rovers open up a nine-point gap on the Foxes with just four games of the season remaining.

"We are in a great position to go and get the points to make us safe," said Souness.

"Out of all the other teams who are down here, I would rather be in our position than anyone else's.

"As we speak, I believe we are in a better position than anyone else.

"I just hope I'm still saying that at five o'clock tonight."

With every point now vital in the battle to beat the drop, Souness is prepared to sacrifice his football principles to ensure Rovers reach their safety target and if that means adopting a more direct approach then it's a price he's willing to pay.

"We find ourselves in a situation where we didn't expect to be but we are here so maybe now is the time to take our footballing hat off and put on our battling hat," said Souness.

"We got that on Monday night at Fulham and if we are to survive in this league then we are going to have to show more of that because that wins you games.

"I'm sure we'll come out stronger for this experience. Football is like life, isn't it? Unfortunately, as a human being it's what happens through life that shapes you into whatever you become.

"I think it's the things that happen to you on the down side which shape your character and I'm sure we'll all be richer for the experience of this season because it has been a difficult season."