CENTRE back Craig Short today delivered a message of defiance insisting automatic promotion is still within reach as Blackburn Rovers prepared for the visit of Grimsby.

Short, who was one of Rovers' heroes in their midweek victory against Wimbledon, has admitted that league-leaders Fulham look certainties for the Premiership.

But the former Everton defender is adamant second place is still firmly up for grabs.

And he believes Rovers can still stake a claim for it once injuries and suspensions start to catch up with their rivals.

"Realistically, as the manager said the other night, it looks out of reach," said Short.

"But, if you were to suddenly win five games on the trot and take 15 points, then all of a sudden, you're only five points behind second place.

"That can happen, although I can't see Fulham slipping up.

"But have Watford and Bolton got a big enough squad to carry them through the rest of the season?

"We've got no problems in that department but we have got some catching up to do. If we were to get into the play-offs in the next month, however, then maybe we could do some chasing and possibly catch them in second.

"The whole picture can change really quickly.

"Football is a rollercoaster unless you're someone like Manchester United or Arsenal."

Billed as favourites for the title at the start of the season, Rovers' campaign had threatened to turn sour after five games without a win. But Wednesday night's victory over Wimbledon has lifted the spirits in the dressing room.

And, with five out of the next eight games at home, Short believes a good run now could catapult them back into the promotion picture.

"It was a relief more than anything to win on Wednesday night because we've been struggling away from home," said Short.

"We didn't play very well at Fulham or against West Brom but it's amazing what three points can do for confidence in the dressing room.

"We said before we went down to London that, if we could get at least one good result, then we would then have two games at home and a trip to Huddersfield.

"But we've got to start getting together two or three good results on the bounce. "Then, hopefully, come Christmas time, we'll be in the top six and who knows. We've still got the top sides to play -- some at home, some away -- so anything could happen."

Meanwhile, Rovers boss Graeme Souness is still searching for a striker to beef up his attacking options with Matt Jansen and Nathan Blake both out injured.

However, no deal was likely to be completed in time for today's clash with the Mariners.

"I don't think a deal will happen today," said assistant boss, Tony Parkes.

"I know Graeme's got a lot of irons in the fire and we are obviously looking at different positions and different players.

"But, at the moment, there's nothing imminent."