TONY PARKES has set his side the magical mark of 42 points to secure Premiership survival.

And if in-form Kevin Gallacher (pictured) has anything to do with it Rovers will achieve their goal sooner rather than later.

The caretaker-boss paid the diminutive Scottish striker a glowing tribute after grabbing his eighth goal of the season with a sensational equaliser against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

Gally is proving to be the jewel in the crown for Parkes with a string of breathtaking performances confirming he is back to his best after recovering from two broken legs.

Parkes said: "Kevin has been like a breath of fresh air for us this season. He's a very intelligent player and full of enthusiasm and gets us going when we need it.

"He's had his fair share of injuries and he must be 30, yet he plays like an 18-year-old."

Rovers need just another nine points to reach the total set by Parkes and his hopes that Saturday's opponents, Wimbledon, would suffer a draining Coca Cola cup defeat have come true. They lost to Leicester City in an extra time thriller at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.

It will take all of Joe Kinnear's undoubted motivational powers to get the Dons going.

On Wednesday Rovers go to FA Cup semi-finalists Middlesbrough in their re-arrange league fixture.

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