THE introduction of a new transfer window in English football has come in for it's fair share of criticism since it was implemented at the end of August.

But the one group of people who do stand to gain from it are up and coming young hopefuls like Blackburn Rovers' Neil Danns.

In the past, Premiership managers like Graeme Souness have always been able to get out the cheque book in the event of a serious injury crisis.

But, now that a block has been put on English top-flight clubs signing players between the end of August and January 1, Souness and Co may now have to place their trust increasingly in the young players coming up through the ranks.

Rovers already boast an enviable record of bringing young players through ranks with David Dunn, Damien Duff, Martin Taylor and Damien Johnson all making their mark at first team level over the last five years.

And now big things are expected of the likes of Jerome Watt, Ciaran Donnelly, Alan Nelson and Michael Taylor, to name but a few.

But, in order for young players to get their chance, they need a manager at first team level who is prepared to give youth a chance.

And in Souness, Rovers appear to have such a man.

The former Liverpool chief has already demonstrated he's not afraid to give young players a chance, both at Ewood and during his time at Anfield.

And reserve boss Alan Murray believes that should act as a great incentive for the likes of Danns and the other youngsters coming through as they attempt to take their first tentative steps on the road to possible fame and fortune.

"Graeme Souness has an excellent track record of playing youth in the first team," said Murray.

"People sometimes forget that he was the first one to give Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman a chance at Liverpool.

"And Blackburn fans have already seen how much faith he places in the likes of Damien Duff and David Dunn.

"So all of our young players should be encouraged by that because that shows there is a path for them into the first team, providing they can prove they are good enough to be there."