GRAEME Souness could be ready to unleash his new weapon in Rovers' next 'cup final' against Wanderers on Saturday

Yordi, the Spanish striker signed on loan from Real Zaragoza last week, has put himself in the reckoning after making an impressive debut as a second half sub in Sunday's 2-1 Worthington Cup final victory against Spurs.

The 6ft 2in front man came close to scoring on a couple of occasions and won virtually everything in the air as he partnered Andy Cole up front once Matt Jansen - scorer of the first goal - went off with a groin injury.

And Souness was so pleased with his new striker's contribution that the Spaniard could now make his full debut in the relegation "six-pointer".

"He will definitely play some part," confirmed the Ewood chief. "I think he gives us something we have been missing all season.

"Andy Cole and Matt are similar players in terms of their movement and what they do on the ball but Yordi is more physical and offers us something different."

Souness is facing a race against time to sign Turkish international left-back Hakan Unsal in time for Saturday.

Rovers were this morning waiting for a verdict on yesterday's hearing in Sheffield into the Galatasaray defender's work permit application and will also need his registration and international clearance completed if he is to figure.

Rovers' skipper Garry Flitcroft should return in midfield after a three-match ban but defenders Craig Short, Lucas Neill plus midfielder Tugay are still suspended.

qPAUL Wheatcroft is back on the Third Division promotion trail. After a six match stint on loan at high-flying Rochdale earlier in the season, when he scored three goals in six games, the 21-year-old Wanderers' striker has joined third-placed Mansfield for a month.