EWOOD exile Jason McAteer today set his sights on a Rovers' recall after firing the Republic of Ireland towards next summer's World Cup.

McAteer has not figured in the Rovers first-team since April after a bust-up with manager Graeme Souness.

But, after sinking Holland on Saturday with a spectacular 68th minute winner to virtually guarantee the Republic a place in Japan, the 30-year-old midfielder now hopes that performance will win him a reprieve as he looks to kick-start his career.

"Maybe I've put myself in the shop window with that goal and my performance for Ireland but, hopefully, things can be resolved at Blackburn," said McAteer.

"Graeme Souness is a nice bloke away from football and perhaps we can get something sorted out.

"I certainly hope so because I'm in the reserves and it's hard to come from that and play at international level.

"No disrespect to the lads who play in the reserves but I'm 30 and don't need the technique work any more.

"I've been to one World Cup with Ireland in America seven years ago.

"It was a great experience and I want to do it again because there's no greater stage but I need first-team football to win my international place regularly."

McAteer's heroics mean the Republic are now guaranteed at least a play-off place against whichever team finishes third in the Asian qualifiers.

But they could now go through to next year's finals automatically if Portugal slip up against Cyprus in Nicosia on Wednesday night and Mick McCarthy's team then beat the Cypriots themselves in Dublin on October 6 to finish the group with 24 points.