RUBEN Rochina is determined to show Steve Kean that he is ready for a Blackburn Rovers recall as the perfect foil for the in-form Yakubu.

Rochina impressed in the opening months of the season with six goals in 12 appearances but has not started a league game since the 3-2 win at Manchester United on New Year’s Eve.

The Spaniard has been an unused substitute in the last two matches and knows he may have to be patient for a return to the side following the weekend victory over QPR.

But Rochina has vowed to continue pushing for a place and, despite often operating on the flanks this season, believes he can prove most effective as a support for lone striker Yakubu.

Mauro Formica occupied that position on Saturday, with David Dunn also previously operating in the role.

“They are very good players and I try to compete with them and the manager decides who will play,” said the 20-year-old, who joined team-mates Mauro Formica and Adam Henley for an autograph session with supporters yesterday.

“I prefer to play behind the striker with the free movement in this area.

“Usually I play in the wings but I try to do the best I can.

“If the manager puts me in the wings I play in the wings, if he puts me behind the striker I will play behind the striker.

“The most important thing for a player is to play.

“I am not playing now but sometimes this is what happens in football.

“The manager decides who plays and I need to wait for my opportunity.

“I have confidence in myself but sometimes you need to play to take big confidence with you, it’s the only thing.

“I am doing best my in training and every game but I can do nothing more, I will just wait for my opportunity and try to work harder.”

Rochina had to watch from the bench as Rovers defeated QPR but believes the result has given them a good chance of staying in the Premier League this season.

“It was a really good victory,” he said.

“We needed three points but the team played very well in the first half, scored three goals.

“In the second half we thought with the first half the game was won but this is wrong, the other team came back well and the score was 3-2.

“It’s very tight, there are five or six teams at the bottom but we need to try to play well and keep going.

“I am enjoying Blackburn, it’s nice for me, it’s a new experience and I am happy.

“I think we have a good team to stay up.

“I think we will stay in the Premier League next season.”