BLACKBURN striker Paul Gallagher believes Rovers' young guns have what it takes to fire the goals to banish the club's relegation fears once and for all.

Graeme Souness paired Gallagher together with recent signing Jon Stead in a new-look strike-force at Middlesbrough on Saturday and the dynamic duo came up trumps as they masterminded a priceless 1-0 win.

Now the 19-year-old forward is keeping his fingers crossed that Souness will place his faith in youth once again as Rovers go in search of three more vital points against Newcastle tomorrow.

"I think me and Jon have got it in us to get the goals, as I've shown previously and Jon showed on Saturday," said Gallagher, who scored against Newcastle earlier in the season.

"We've only trained three times together but hopefully we can gel together over the next few weeks.

"We've both got the enthusiasm because we are young and hungry for the game but, at the end of the day, I'm just happy to be in the squad."

Gallagher and Stead, 20, only discovered that they would be starting together at the Riverside when Souness named the team in training on Friday.

His bold decision to pick them ahead of both Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole came as something of a surprise to the youngsters.

But it was a further demonstration of Souness's commitment to bringing young players through and Gallagher is delighted to be playing for a manager who is prepared to give youth its chance at every available opportunity.

"Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole are both superb players and I'm just happy to be in the squad behind them, but when I get the chance to play in front of them, I'm over the moon," said Gallagher.

"To be honest, I'm amazed I've played so often.

"Given the situation we are in, I thought he would stuck by the more experienced players but the manager isn't afraid to put a young team out there.

"On Saturday, Jonathan Douglas played as well as me and Jon up front so he's always prepared to give the young lads a chance."

Souness's faith was certainly rewarded at the Riverside as Gallagher played a big part in setting up Rovers' winning goal, which was cooly converted by Stead on his debut.

It was an assured finish from the former Huddersfield Town striker and Gallagher hopes it's the first of many for his new colleague.

"I must admit I didn't know much about him before he came here," said the Scot, who has scored three times for Rovers this season.

"I'd seen him a couple of times on TV and that was about it.

"But it was a great finish and he's been doing that regularly in the Third Division so hopefully he can carry that on with us now."

In the meantime, Gallagher is keeping his fingers crossed that his form for Rovers can earn a call-up to the full Scotland squad.

Berti Vogts is a known admirer of the former Academy starlet but he has yet to win a senior call-up for his country.

"I've had a letter for the under-21s so I go away with them next week, I think," added Gallagher.

"I've just got to try and keep playing like I am and we'll see what happens."