BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has called for 'controlled aggression' from his players as they prepare for the derby battle with Wanderers.

Rovers have ended up playing with 10-men in two of their last three visits to the Reebok after Garry Flitcroft and Andy Cole have both seen red in the opening 20 minutes.

But, although Souness is calling for more passion again, he has warned his troops of the importance of channelling it in the right direction.

"We've found ourselves up against it in two of the last three games there because we've had men sent off early on, although in fairness to the 10 men they've dug in and got a result each time," said Souness.

"But I'd like us to finish the game with 11 tomorrow to give us the best possible chance of winning.

"Our players have got to control themselves because it's bound to be a red-hot atmosphere and it's a thin dividing line.

"We are under no illusions that Bolton are fighting for their lives so we'll have to go there and meet the challenge head on.

"We've got to be prepared for a physical battle but at the same time it's vital we keep our heads and stay within the rules."

Souness believes opposition teams have started to employ strong-arm tactics in a bid to stop his side because of Rovers' reputation for playing attractive football.

And he insists his players have got to learn how to overcome that if they hope to build on their solid start to the season.

"People have seen us play on TV so they know we're a good footballing side and if you let some of our players play then they'll pass you to death.

"So opposition teams are trying to stop us from doing that and we've got to learn how to deal with it.

"The likes of Damien Duff, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Tugay have all got reputations so when the team-sheet is handed in at 2 o'clock the opposition know we've got people to be worried about and they try to combat that.

"But it's no good moaning about it. We've got to overcome that and then play our football."

Souness is in the rare position of having virtually a full squad to pick from.

David Dunn, Martin Taylor and Garry Flitcroft are all in contention for starting roles after overcoming their recent injury problems.

And Brad Friedel is fit to resume in goal after missing the midweek clash with Rotherham.

Rovers will choose from: Friedel, Neill, Johansson, Short, Taylor, Flitcroft, Tugay, Thompson, Duff, Cole, Yorke, Grabbi, Jansen, Ostenstad, Gillespie, Todd, Dunn, Kelly.