ROVERS skipper Garry Flitcroft today urged Craig Short to carry on playing at the top level for as long as possible.

Short's current contract with Rovers is set to run out next summer, around the time the veteran defender is due to celebrate his 36th birthday.

But Ewood chief Graeme Souness has already said he plans to open talks with Short about a new deal in the New Year.

And Flitcroft is in no doubt that his friend and room-mate can still do a job in the Premiership for a few more years yet.

"Shorty should definitely carry on for as long as he can," said Flitcroft.

"His general fitness is not a problem and if you've got that and you're still playing well then why not carry on for as long as possible?

"He could definitely do a job at this level for another few years yet.

"He's one of those players that commands instant respect off everyone else in the dressing room.

"He's been here most of the time I've been here and he's probably my best mate.

"That's because I respect him for the type of player he is and the fact he's a genuinely nice guy, too."

Short has underlined his importance to the squad with several towering performances since returning from a knee injury.

That has coincided with Rovers' first two clean sheets of the season, as well as the side's first back-to-back wins of the campaign.

And Flitcroft is in no doubt as to Short's contribution to that revival.

"If you look back at the start of the season defensive mistakes were costing us dearly," said Short.

"But when you get someone like Shorty back you know exactly what you are going to get from him."