LEE Carsley today accepted he may have to be patient in his fight to win back a regular place in the starting line-up.

The 26-year-old midfielder made an impressive first full start of the season in Rovers' 6-1 victory over Rochdale in the Worthington Cup on Wednesday night.

But there is no guarantee the Republic of Ireland international will keep his place for tomorrow's clash with Forest at Ewood.

And the former Derby man knows his battle has only just begun after he missed the start of the season through illness and suspension.

"I really enjoyed the game on Wednesday night and it just felt great to be back," said Carsley.

"But I'm not reading too much into the fact that I started the game, to be honest.

"The team have had a good start and I'm no different to any other player here -- I've got to earn the right to play regularly.

"But I'm desperate to get my place back in the team and back in the Ireland squad.

"When I said I was staying Graeme Souness was glad about that but he made no guarantees about giving me a regular game.

"So I've got to get my head down and work hard in training and then leave the manager to get on with his job.

"As long as the lads keep winning I can't really complain.

"But I feel I've got something to offer."