BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has targeted a New Year return for injured striker Nathan Blake.

The Welsh international frontman is now back in light training after undergoing an operation on an Achilles tendon injury back in October.

The former Bolton man will not be fit in time for Rovers' hectic Christmas programme.

But Ewood chief Souness is hopeful the 28-year-old will be ready to step up his fitness programme during the next 10 days.

And that could lead to a first team comeback in time for a couple of key fixtures in January.

"Nathan has been coming along slowly but he's now back in light training," said Souness.

"He's been working hard with Dave Fevre so, hopefully, he'll be ready early in the New Year.

"We're hoping to get him working with a ball again in the next week or so."

Blake made an explosive start to the season scoring six goals in 11 games, despite playing through the pain barrier at times.

He has since gone under the knife, however, and last appeared in a Rovers shirt at Fulham two months ago.

During his enforced break, Souness has since brought in both Mark Hughes and Marcus Bent to bolster his attacking resources.

But, once Blake returns, the Rovers boss will then have even more options upfront in time for a crucial period which will include promotion six-pointers against the likes of Preston and Birmingham.