BLACKBURN Rovers will face competition from Premiership strugglers Middlesbrough if Blackburn boss Graeme Souness pursues his interest in Finnish international defender Hannu Tihinen.

Both clubs are set to watch Tihinen in action for the Finns against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin tonight.

Rovers have already had the 24-year-old at Ewood Park for a few days to take a closer look at the Viking Stavanger player.

But should the £3 million-rated centre-back impress tonight, Boro chief executive Keith Lamb is due to meet with his representatives in London tomorrow talk personal terms.

A Stavanger spokesman confirmed: "Tihinen is ready to leave and there are a number of clubs interested. They will be watching him. Middlesbrough and Blackburn are two of them.

"We have spoken to representatives of Middlesbrough and expect to have further discussions.

"We will have to see what happens after the game but we will be in London for negotiations over the next few days."

Blackburn led the chase for Tihinen but Souness wants a further check on the player before deciding whether to pursue a possible deal.

And Boro could now move in following an injury to Colin Cooper and Gianluca Festa's transfer request.