GRAEME Souness raised a few eyebrows on Sunday when he tipped David Thompson for an England call-up.

But, as far as I'm concerned, the gaffer was spot on in his comments about our latest signing -- even that makes it even harder for me to get in!!!

Tommo has been different class since he signed from Coventry three weeks ago and I don't see any reason why he can't have a big international future.

He can tackle, he can pass, he scores goals, he takes a great set-piece and what has really impressed me is his work-rate for the team. So what more could you ask for from a modern day midfielder?

I know more than anyone that the competition is fiercely strong in the England midfield with players of the calibre of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Kieron Dyer all competing for places.

But the one chink of light for anyone hoping to break into the squad is the fact the position on the left-hand side still appears up for grabs.

Neither myself or Tommo are naturally left-sided players but both of us have played in that position on a number of occasions at club level.

And if Sven was to give either of us a chance to prove we could do a job there, then we'd both jump at it without a moment's hesitation.

Tommo's arrival has certainly given everyone a lift at Ewood and he looks an absolute snip at £1.5 million.

With him currently firing on all cylinders and Duffer hopefully soon back in the picture, the competition for places is going to be fierce in midfield over the remainder of the season.

And that means no-one can afford to rest on their laurels otherwise there will be someone chomping at the bit to replace you.

Neil Danns is another who's now in the midfield frame after impressing on his debut last week.

And his performance against CSKA Sofia was one of the few positives to come out of a disappointing night.

All the lads know we let both the manager and the fans down and we owe it to them to put that right in Bulgaria next week.