TRIUMPHANT Blackburn boss Graeme Souness today saluted his victorious Rovers after they walloped West Ham 7-1 on an amazing afternoon at Ewood Park.

Rovers' magnificent victory over the hapless Hammers was their biggest win since the 7-2 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday under Roy Hodgson in August 1997.

That catapulted Souness's braves up to eighth in the Premiership table -- six points behind early pacesetters Leeds United.

But Souness still insists there's plenty more to come from his young charges despite a display of finishing he described as simply awesome at times.

"We've been threatening to do that to someone all season and some of our finishing was just awesome -- wasn't it?" purred Souness.

"You could say the sending off and the missed chances at 3-1 went our way and you'd be right, so whatever luck there was out there went our way.

"But take nothing away from the players, they worked hard and deserved everything they got.

"How many times have I said after games that we've created many chances and then been guilty of not taking them?

"But yesterday we took them and we were top class.

"There were some wonderful goals.

"I just feel sorry for Ciccio that he didn't get one because he had a hand in a couple of others but didn't get himself on the scoresheet.

"I felt we were exciting -- really exciting -- in the final third.

"Our movement was marvellous and I hope Mr Eriksson can come every week!

"But there are things we can still work on so it wasn't all bonuses."

A total of SEVEN different players got their names on the scoresheet as Rovers romped to the Premiership's biggest win of the season.

And, with England boss Sven Goran Eriksson an interested observer in the stand, midfielders David Dunn and Garry Flitcroft both staked strong claims for a World Cup call-up with a goal apiece to cap outstanding individual performances.

Dunn, however, was refusing to get carried away by it all today and insisted he is simply focused on trying to keep his place in the Blackburn side!

"It's always good to put on a decent performance infront of the England manager," said the England Under 21 skipper.

"But as I've said all along, my main goal is to do my best for Blackburn and the Under 21s and then anything else is a bonus."

Dunn was adamant that Flitcroft is worthy of an England chance, though, after the Ewood enforcer deservedly carried off the man-of-the-match award.

"If Sven was of the same opinion as everyone else in the ground then Flitty would have been the one who stood out.

"He's proved he'll pick people who are in form, so there's no reason why Flitty can't force his way in.

"He wasn't only magnificent in this game, he's been like that all season.

"And he's been brilliant to me personally, too, in the way he's always encouraged me from the moment I first broke into the first team. I've always looked up to him and if anyone deserves a chance he does."

Meanwhile, on a more sombre note, Souness today sent Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier a good luck message as he recovers from life-saving heart surgery.

The Blackburn Rovers chief bounced back from a triple heart-by-pass operation in 1992 while he was in charge of the Reds.

And he is backing the Frenchman to make a full recovery -- although he believes it could be a year before he's ready for a return to the dugout.

"I believe his is a far more serious situation then mine," said Souness.

"My op appears to be a walk in the park. Like everyone in football I wish him well.

"For him and his family I hope he pulls through and makes a full recovery.

"I can only comment on my own situation but it took me a year to physically get over it.

"It is very traumatic and I was a lot younger and maybe fitter than him. It is difficult to come back, but I am sure he will do it.

"I don't know him well, but if he is in this business he has got to have something about him and will make a full recovery."

Midfielder Craig Hignett today insisted he's not interested in a loan move to First Division Wolves despite a tentative enquiry from Molineux boss Dave Jones.

Rovers have drawn First Division Manchester City at home in the fourth round of the Worthington Cup following last week's win over Middlesbrough.

Ties commence in the week beginning Monday November 26.