MORTEN Gamst Pedersen has tipped Ruben Rochina to enjoy a big Premier League future after claiming the Blackburn Rovers playmaker has “everything” needed to reach the top of the game.

The former Barcelona striker has fast emerged as a fans’ favourite at Ewood Park, with five goals to his name already, and Pedersen is convinced the Spaniard is only going to get better.

After arriving in East Lancashire in January from Barcelona for an estimated £1million he took five months to adapt to life in English football.

Rochina, who was also tracked by Rovers during Sam Allardyce’s reign, though has now started the last four Premier League games and is fast becoming a key member of Steve Kean’s squad.

The 20-year-old is expected to start Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash at fellow strugglers Wigan and Pedersen admits he is excited about what is to come from him.

He said: “Ruben is almost your typical Spanish footballer. He has a good bit of ball skill and he is still only young. He has everything you need to be a good footballer.

“He has a fantastic left foot, good control, everything. You have all seen it.

“Of course he will be a fantastic player. You see all the ability he has got but he just has to ease himself into the league. I think that is the same fort everyone.”

While Rochina has impressed offensively this season with his sublime touch, vision and ability to open up defences, his own defensive side of the game has at times let him down.

He was at fault for one of Norwich’s goals in the 3-3 draw at Carrow Road after being caught dallying in possession in his own half, but Pedersen is confident Rochina is a quick learner.

He said: “What he has to get used to is when to pass the ball and when not to dribble it.

“That is what you learn. He will learn that and the tempo in the game. He has got a great future as a footballer there is no doubt. When you see him doing the things we have seen you know he is going to be a good player.

“Not just young players, look at Shevchenko. It took him more than two years to get into it. Sooner than later he will be a big player in the Premier League and he has got a big, big future ahead of him.”

Jason Roberts hopes to be available to face his old club Wigan as he makes good progress in his recovery from injury, which ruled him out of Rovers’ last match at home to Chelsea.

There had been suggestions that the Rao brothers could be at Saturday’s game but a Venky’s spokesman said that a firm date had not yet been set for their latest visit to England, although it is expected to be at some point in the next few weeks.

The spokesman again confirmed that Venky’s will give Kean money to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, although the level of funds to be released is yet to be determined.

* Josh Morris scored from the penalty spot as a youthful Rovers reserve side were beaten 2-1 by Bolton at Leigh Sports Village.