ROVERS boss Graeme Souness today admitted he may now look abroad in his quest to bring in a left-sided defender before the new season starts in two weeks time.

Ewood chief Souness has been frustrated so far in his efforts to bolster his defensive resources after having bids for Liverpool's Djimi Traore and Birmingham's Martin Grainger rejected.

So, with the big kick-off now looming large on the horizon, the canny Scot is ready to look to the continent to find a solution to his problems.

"I think we might have to cast our net a bit wider now because there's a real shortage of left-sided defenders in England," said Souness. "When Michael Ball goes for £7 million and Sunderland are reported to be asking £5 million for Michael Gray that gives you an idea of the situation because that's a lot of money to be paying for a full-back.

"So it looks as though we'll have to switch our attentions to Europe.

"We've had people recommended to us but nothing has been finalised.

"It's also difficult to get a true picture of a player at this stage in the season as well because people are only playing in friendly matches.

"You can't really make your mind up about someone after seeing him in a friendly because it's totally different to watching him in a proper game so it could take time to find the player we want."

Souness has spent most of the summer searching for cover for Stig Bjornebye as he looks to assemble a squad capable of cutting it in the Premiership.

But so far his efforts have come to nothing, with Liverpool rejecting three separate bids for his number one target Traore and Birmingham quoting £4 million for his back-up option Grainger.

Souness, however, insists he will not be held to ransom and, if it takes time to get in the right player at the right price, then he is prepared to play a waiting game.

Meanwhile, Rovers midfielder Alan Mahon was today celebrating being called into the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their friendly with Croatia.

Manager Mick McCarthy has named a provisional squad.

And Mahon is one of four Rovers players to have been given the call -- over a year after winning the last of his two previous caps.

"It's great news for Alan and a fitting reward for what he did last season because he did well for us," said Souness.

"Obviously, he's not match fit at the moment but in a couple of weeks time he should be ready."

Mahon is not likely to feature in tomorrow's friendly at Bradford as he battles back from knee and Achilles problems.

But Damien Duff --who was also named in the Republic squad -- does have a chance of returning after missing Rovers' last three friendly outings.

Souness will again take his strongest possible squad to Valley Parade as he looks to step up his side's preparations ahead of the Premiership kick-off on August 18.

"We don't appear to have any serious injury problems so I'll be taking my strongest possible squad," said Souness.