ON-LOAN keeper Peter Enckelman today admitted he would consider joining Blackburn on a permanent basis if Graeme Souness decides to offer him the chance, writes ANDY NEILD.

Enckelman is currently halfway through a four-week loan period with Rovers after being drafted in as cover for Brad Friedel following injuries to Alan Kelly and David Yelldell.

And Souness has hinted that he may look at trying to make the arrangement more long-term if the Finn makes enough of an impression during his time with the club.

The 26-year-old certainly caught the eye last night with a string of key saves in the reserves' 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

And although Enckelman made it clear that it's still too early to start talking about his future just yet, he did admit that a permanent switch to Rovers would appeal after losing his place at Villa.

"I'd definitely consider a permanent move here," said Enckelman.

"At the moment it's just speculation until the club decide whether they want to go in for me or not so until then there's no real point in talking about it.

"But I didn't have to think very long about coming here because it's a good move.

"Graeme Souness phoned me up personally just to see what I thought about it and basically I was up for it straight away.

"This is another Premiership club, which is where I want to be, and so far I've enjoyed my time here.

"I've actually got a couple of games under my belt through playing in the reserves and a change of environment is very welcome as well.

"The facilities at Blackburn are great and everything else is fine here, too. The coaches, the manager and the lads as well so there's nothing to complain about."

Enckelman has also enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside present Rovers number one Brad Friedel, who was voted by his peers as the best in the Premiership last season.

"The more goalkeepers you work with, the more you can learn and there's definitely things from Brad that I can pick up as well," said the Finn.

"I'm still only 26 and I can still learn because I think goalkeepers can keep learning for as long as they are playing."