NEW signing Bruno Berner is determined to prove himself in the Premiership with Blackburn in the hope it will revive his international career.

The 29-year-old left-back, who joined Rovers from FC Basel in a cut-price deal before the transfer window slammed shut last week, has not played for Switzerland since he was axed from the squad following the European Championship finals in Portugal in 2004.

But, after sealing a dream move to England, Berner now wants to cement a regular place in the Rovers first team, believing that could open the door to an international recall in time for next year's European Championships, which are being staged in his homeland.

The versatile defender, who can operate anywhere down the left-hand side, said: "I lost my place in the national team after the last European Championships.

"When I moved to Basel from Freiburg, the goal from the manager was to get my place back in the national team, but both of us failed.

"Now I've come here and if I play games with Blackburn then I'll have a big, big chance to get back into the national team again.

"In one and a half years' time, the European Championships are being staged in our country and I don't have to say what that would mean to be part of it.

"So my tank is full of motivation right now, even though I'm not involved in any games at the moment.

"Over the next 18 months, I really want to show that I can be a good Premier League player, and if I do then I'll get back into the Swiss national team."

Mark Hughes made his deadline-beating swoop for Berner after the player had impressed during a week-long trial spell with the club.

However, with fellow left-back Stephen Warnock also joining Blackburn during the transfer window and subsequently impressing in his first three appearances for the club, Berner knows he has his work cut out in trying to nail down a regular starting place.

"I had to fight to come over here for a week's trial," said Berner.

"Christian Gross (the Basel manager) was saying I don't know', but I just said to him this is my big chance', and he eventually said okay'.

"Now I have to believe I can force my way into the team here. Belief is the magic word.

"I know it's going to be tough for me to get in, but that's football.

"Every club in the Premiership has over 20 high quality players, so you just have to work hard every day and if there's a chance, make sure you take it.

"You have to be ready mentally for that moment."

That chance may well come at Everton this weekend as Warnock is suspended for the trip to Merseyside following his sending off against Sheffield United last Saturday.

Berner is still short of match fitness - he hasn't played competitively since early December due to a winter break in Switzerland - but he did appear in a specially arranged friendly with Wolves earlier this week, as did David Dunn, and could therefore come into contention for Everton.

He added: "I want to give myself a little bit more time because we've just had a winter break so I need to work on my fitness. But I don't feel far off."

l The kick-off time for the second leg of Rovers' UEFA Cup tie with Bayer Leverkusen at Ewood Park on Thursday February 22 has been changed to 6.05pm.

The game will be screened live on ITV, although the channel has still to be confirmed.