EWOOD goal-king Andy Cole today urged Graeme Souness to make the signings necessary to transform Blackburn into a top-10 force next season.

Ipswich's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough last night means Rovers are still not mathematically assured of their place in the top-flight next term.

But Cole believes Rovers will secure their Premiership status at some point over the next two weeks.

And what's more, he's already planning ahead for the future, insisting it's vital the whole club learns some vital lessons from their experiences over the last couple of months.

"I hope we are not in the same predicament next season," said Cole.

"I hope the manager will make a few acquisitions to the team in the summer and strengthen the positions we need to strengthen so we can then go from strength-to-strength.

"Looking at next season, we need to be finishing in the top 10 instead of scrapping around in the bottom three and worrying about who's winning and who's losing.

"I'm not used to that and I don't want to get used to that.

"I want to see this team in the top 10.

"We've got to get our points in the bag early on and then try and build from there."

Rovers broke through the 40 point barrier thanks to Tuesday night's battling 2-2 draw with Newcastle at Ewood.

But Cole was still disappointed with a point on the night after Rovers twice threw away a one-goal lead.

"I'm disappointed we didn't win it but in the end, we were hanging on at 2-2 so it's swings and roundabouts.

"They are a good team and they play some good stuff which is why they're going to finish fourth in the league and qualify for the Champions League next season.

"But it's always disappointing when you take the lead twice on the night and then get pegged back both times."

Nevertheless, that point meant Rovers have now lost just twice in the Premiership in the nine games since their Worthington Cup triumph over Spurs in Cardiff.

And Cole wants to see the team continue that form by finishing the season with a flourish.

"Our form since the Worthington Cup hasn't been too bad, and like I said before the Middlesbrough game, I want us to go the last five games unbeaten.

"We've done okay so far, gaining a draw and a win, so hopefully we can carry that on by winning our remaining three."

A couple of goals from Cole would certainly help to make that possible.

His second half strike against Newcastle on Tuesday was his ninth goal in 17 appearances since joining from Manchester United for a club record fee.

But all that bothers him is turning in the performances to guarantee Rovers' Premiership place.

"I've been fortunate enough to get a couple of goals in the last two games but it's not about me, it's about the team winning and getting out of the situation we are in.

"I just hope I can chip in with a few more over the next three games to make that possible."

CRAIG Hignett's Achilles operation is said to have gone well and the veteran midfielder is expected to be back in time for the start of pre-season training.