BRIAN Kidd has dropped a broad hint that new arrival Egil Ostenstad and Ashley Ward will spearhead a Blackburn Rovers revival.

Ward has started to join in football work with the rest of the squad while Ostenstad's signing, after two games where Rovers have been distinctly lacking in attack, is a huge boost before Saturday's home game against Barnsley.

And, while some fans may sympathise with Kevin Davies's illness and injury hard luck story, many more will acknowledge that he rarely looked like fulfilling the potential at Ewood that persuaded Roy Hodgson to hand over a club record £7.25 million for him.

The swap deal, which could also bring Rovers as much as £1.2 million in cash looks the best way out of a sticky situation for Rovers and Davies - and brings an established international striker, hungry for success, to Ewood.

Rovers have picked up a small amount for a start, plus more depending on how many appearances Davies makes on his return to Southampton.

"Egil can link the play and play with his back to goal but how I see his strengths is running through, one v ones and his finishing is first class," said Kidd. "I see him playing more off a front man as the second striker, rather than leading the line.

"His touch is very good but I would see him as the second striker going through."

That would complement Ward when he returns and Kidd has more cause for optimism on that front, especially as Rovers have only two more games to play before a break caused by international matches which have seen the postponement of the fixtures against Bolton and Swindon.

The manager's thoughts on how he wants Ostenstad to fit in also seem to have been a major part of the signing.

"Brian Kidd told me straight away how he wants me to play and I liked that. I like to get in among defenders," said the Norwegian.

Kidd has been eyeing him for some time and, with Ostenstad's contract in its final year, was able to get his man.

"I think his all-round game is good. I have been aware of him for three or four years and Norwegian talent has come to the forefront," he said.

"At 27 he is a good age for a striker and I was pleased first of all that he was prepared to come for a chat and to consider us.

"There's no doubt Egil can play in the Premiership. I used to talk to the Norwegian lads about him and he's always been linked with top clubs. "I think his signing speaks volumes for the club and where our ambitions lie.

"He has been on the list of players I have been building for the club. Situations change in football and I am delighted we have been able to get him this time."

Davies, meanwhile, displayed no bitterness even though his stay at Ewood has been something of a personal nightmare.

"Brian Kidd pulled me on Monday, told me about the offer and it all came quite suddenly. It was a bit of a weird feeling," he said.

"We both realised this was the best thing for me to do.

"He was interested in Egil and I was not too happy there. So it was quite a good agreement all round.

"It all went through very quickly and I can't wait for weekend.

"I had so many problems last year with injuries and illness I never got any momentum and didn't get to produce my best form.

"But, hopefully, I can move on from there and get back to playing well."

Rovers have poured cold water on reports linking them with unsettled Newcastle midfield man Rob Lee.

Jeff Kenna continues his comeback from injury as Rovers launch their FA Premier Reserve League campaign at Barnsley tonight (kick-off 7.00). Gary Croft will fill the other full-back berth in front of new signing Alan Kelly in goal and Nathan Blake will play up front.

Rovers squad: Kelly, Kenna, Croft, O'Brien, Taylor, Brown, McNamee, Dunn, Hamilton, Blake, Corbett, Murphy, Bingham, Thomas, Scates, Fitzpatrick.

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