BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today urged Martin Taylor to prove he has what it takes to solve Rovers' defensive crisis.

Taylor looks set for an extended run in the team after Markus Babbel joined Craig Short on the sidelines at the weekend.

And Souness has told the towering 6ft 4in centre-back this is his big chance to cement a regular starting place as he looks to address the defensive deficiencies which have undermined Rovers' start to the season.

"I've told Tiny that I want him in the team. He's home-grown, he's 23 years old, and he's a good footballer with a physical presence," said Souness.

"But if it doesn't happen for him then he can't come knocking on my door and say I haven't given him a chance.

"This is another opportunity for him to make the shirt his own but it's up to him whether he takes it or not.

"As I've already said, I want him in the team. I like people who are good on the ball but he's missing the ingredient I can't give him, which is aggression.

"He's got to be more dominant but that's not something you can coach, he's got to find it from within."

Taylor got the nod at the start of the season but when Babbel arrived on a season-long loan from Liverpool he was the man to make way at the heart of the defence.

However, Babbel now faces at least six weeks on the sidelines after tearing a thigh muscle against Fulham on Sunday.

Lorenzo Amoruso also missed training on Monday after aggravating an old knee problem.

But he is expected to be fit for Saturday's trip to Leeds United as Rovers attempt to get back to winning ways following a couple of disappointing results.