BARNSLEY boss Dave Bassett is backing Craig Hignett to lead Blackburn Rovers to promotion next season following his £2.25 million switch to Ewood Park.

Tykes chief Bassett was forced to admit defeat in his bid to keep Hignett at Oakwell earlier this week.

And now the colourful cockney believes his former free-scoring midfielder will fire the goals to get Rovers back into the Premiership.

"To be perfectly honest, I was very surprised Rovers were not up there last year," said Bassett.

"But looking at the players they have got, they should be up there this time.

"And now the addition of Craig is only going to improve their chances.

"I think he'll definitely get goals for Rovers and certainly give them more fire-power.

"And I think they've got him at a good price."

Bassett is a big admirer of Hignett after the 30-year-old notched 20 goals last season to lead Barnsley to the play-off finals.

And the former Wimbledon boss is astonished no Premiership clubs decided to come in with a firm offer for the player, once Barnsley decided they could not afford to keep him. "I'm surprised no Premiership clubs came in for him, to be honest.

"That's not being disrespectful to Blackburn or Fulham, but when I look around the Premiership there are plenty of clubs I can see who Craig could have done a good job for.

"Blackburn have signed a player who has developed a lot during his time at Barnsley.

"He's very quick-thinking and creative and though he's 30, he's still a very fit lad.

"And he doesn't just score goals -- he can make them as well.

"I certainly would have loved him to stay and I think he would if we had got promoted.

"But his contract was up in a year's time and we couldn't afford to risk losing him on a free."

Now Rovers have completed his signing, the main topic of conversation amongst Rovers fans is where manager Graeme Souness will play Hignett next season.

But Bassett believes one of the player's main strengths is that he can do a job anywhere.

"Craig's a very versatile player and he can play up front or in both wide positions," said Bassett.

"So, as a manager, you play him wherever you think you can get the best out of him at any given time.

"But he always did a job for me where I played him, whether it was up front, in the hole, on the left or the right."