NEW boy John Curtis is set to make his 'debut' tonight as Blackburn Rovers' pre-season programme begins in earnest against German part-timers Bahlinger SC.

The £1.5 million signing from Manchester United is the only one of Graeme Souness's three new summer signings included in tonight's squad.

But the former England Under 21 international will get at least 45 minutes as Rovers play the first of two games in 24 hours on their mini tour of the Black Forest.

Ewood chief Souness is planning to give every member of his squad 90 minutes over the next two days as he looks to step up his pre-season preparations another gear.

And he stressed today that his first concern is fitness rather than results as Rovers prepare for the first of six friendlies.

"At this time of year everything is about fitness," said Souness.

"I'm not interested in the outcome of these games, it's more important that nobody gets injured.

"At this time of year people are still finding their feet so it's all about building up the players' fitness levels.

"We want to try and push the players but not to the point where they are picking up injuries.

"So over the next two days we are going to try and give everyone two 45's, which means effectively I'll be picking two teams for each game.

"Everyone is ready for games now, with the exception of Craig Hignett, and they are far better for your fitness than training. "I think people need on average about half a dozen matches before they are fully fit.

"And at the moment we are where we want to be."

Souness also stressed, however, that he plans to use the trip as a bonding exercise.

"Team spirit is vital to any successful team so we've also come away to do a bit of bonding," said Souness.

"We've got a couple of new faces in the squad so this is a chance for them to get right in amongst the group, which is important."

Souness has confirmed Hignett won't feature in either tonight's game against Bahlinger or tomorrow's match against FC Rastatt because the 30-year-old midfielder is a week behind everyone else in terms of fitness.

But the Ewood chief is looking forward to handing his new £2.25 million signing his debut, probably against Wrexham in 12 days time.

"Craig looks a good little player and he's certainly going to be a goal threat, which is something we need.

"Last season we didn't have enough of that from midfield and if you want to be successful then you need to share the goals around.

"Twenty goals from his position last season was a phenomenal achievement.

"And though I don't expect him to get the same amount this time, if he can chip in with double figures and your strikers are also doing the business, then we are not going to be far away.

"But like everybody else, he's still got to prove he is worthy of a place.

"Nobody is guaranteed anything.

"We are starting the season with a clean slate."

Striker Ben Burgess is the only injury doubt ahead of tonight's game after he picked up a slight niggle earlier in the week which forced him to miss some training.

Souness may decide to give him another 24 hours before risking him, otherwise everyone else should figure in some capacity this evening.

The squad is: Kelly, Filan, Miller, Curtis, Harkness, Kenna, Dailly, Broomes, Short, M Taylor, Murphy, Flitcroft, Carsley, Dunn, Duff, McAteer, Baldacchino, Ostenstad, Ward, Jansen, Burgess, Johnson.