BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today hailed his latest signing, Jonathan Stead, after the striker marked his Rovers debut with a priceless goal at the weekend.

The 20-year-old forward secured three massive Premiership points by scoring the winner in Saturday's 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough.

But Souness has warned the former Huddersfield star that he's not guaranteed a starting place against Newcastle on Wednesday night as he ponders possible recalls for Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, who were both axed at the Riverside.

"Jon is very similar to Gally and, while I'm not looking for them to be the difference, I thought they were the best suited for Saturday's game," said Souness.

"On Wednesday, I might go back to Yorke and Cole. They were fine with the decision. .

"As I've said before, I don't think with the results this season, anyone can expect to be in the team so I might pick them both again on Wednesday."

Stead took just 39 minutes to score his first ever goal in the Premiership.

But aside from that matchwinning strike, Souness was impressed with his new striker's all-round contribution.

"I think that both in the short term and the long term, Jonathan will be an influence for us, particularly once he understands the players he is playing with," said Souness.

"He's a baby, he's still only 20 years old, and I don't think most players are fully developed until they are 23 or 24.

"It wasn't an easy chance for the goal but he opened his body up and stayed cool.

"He's a very good striker of the ball so he will score his fair share of spectacular efforts, too."