PAUL Dickov's infectious enthusiasm could be a massive boost to Blackburn Rovers next season, according to former team-mate Callum Davidson.

The Leicester City striker emerged as a possible summer target for Graeme Souness yesterday and ex-Rover Davidson knows Dickov's work-rate could make him a big hit at Ewood Park.

"Paul's been fantastic in the last two years," said Davidson. "He's led the line and set the tone.

"He puts people under pressure and when he starts, you can't help but start as well.

"It has a knock-on effect because he works so hard up front. It's one of his greatest assets."

Davidson was one of 13 players released by Leicester following their relegation from the Premiership just a year after promotion, but Dickov looks certain to join the exodus.

The 31-year-old is keen to get his top flight career back on track, especially after the recent trauma he suffered when he spent nine days in a Spanish jail.

Dickov, along with Keith Gillespie and Frank Sinclair, was held on a sexual assault charge after being arrested during a club trip to La Manga.

The Scottish striker's name was cleared when all charges were dropped and he revealed his despair over the incident in a TV interview last night.

A fresh start at another Premiership club would therefore be ideal, particularly as he has shown the best form of his career in the past two seasons.

Portsmouth, West Brom, Birmingham and Norwich are also thought to be interested in him especially as a relegation clause in his contract would allow him to leave the Foxes for a bargain £75,000.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City forward Dickov has never been the most regular goalscorer, but after joining Leicester in 2002 he has enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career.

He hit 17 goals in the Foxes' promotion campaign and another 13 last season.

And it's this record that convinces Davidson that Blackburn should take a chance on him.

"He's done really well with goals, especially as he's not had many clear cut chances. He's had to fight for most of his goals himself," added Davidson.

"At a team like Blackburn he might get a few more chances and a few more goals. He's a Premiership player."