PAUL Lambert will target brains and brawn in the transfer window in an effort to support and create more chances for Blackburn Rovers top-scorer Jordan Rhodes.

Rovers boss Lambert believes the Scotland international benefits from playing alongside a big striker who can share the physical burden.

But he also recognises the need to provide Rhodes with more opportunities to add to his tally of 83 goals for the club which has stood since he sealed the 2-1 success at Preston North seven games ago.

That is why Lambert is keen to extend Tom Lawrence’s loan from Leicester City after it expires following tomorrow’s Championship encounter at Cardiff City.

And that is why he has been scouring the market for more creative players ahead of the window reopening in the morning.

Lambert said: “Jordan does need somebody to take the heat off him and share the workload with.

“If Jordan can get on the shoulder of people he’s definitely a threat. In the penalty box you can’t coach him. That’s his own instinct of where to score.

“He is a penalty-box player and we need creativity to help him.”

Rhodes is on a six-match run without hitting the net during which times clear-cut openings have been few and far between.

But he would have had one in Monday’s 1-0 derby defeat at Bolton Wanderers had Craig Conway released the ball earlier.

And Lambert said: “He probably just needs that wee break in front of goal at the moment.

“If Craig’s pass would have been in front of him then I think that would’ve ended up in the net.

“As well as being an absolute diamond of a guy and a top pro, he’s a natural goalscorer.

“He does need a goal but I’ve got every confidence he will score.”

Rhodes could be joined in the starting line-up at the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow by Lawrence after he impressed off the bench against Bolton.

Lambert will make fresh contact with Premier League high flyers Leicester after the Cardiff clash to confirm whether they are willing to allow the Wales international to remain at Ewood Park.

He said: “Tom has done ever so well while Leicester are going great guns themselves.

“They might want to pull him back, they might not, so we’re going to need more dialogue with them.

“Ultimately he is their player and we have to respect that.”

With Fode Koita adapting to the demands of the English game and with Chris Brown yet to make an impact for the club, Rovers will also be in the market for a powerful forward this month.