LEE Carsley today revealed it was the 'Graeme Souness factor' which has prompted him to stay with Blackburn Rovers.

The Republic of Ireland international had told Souness he wanted to leave Ewood this summer in favour of a move to the Premier League.

But the 26-year-old midfielder has now had a change of heart after talks over his future last week.

And he believes Souness is the man to bring the good times back to the club over the course of the new campaign.

"We've been chatting ever since I told him I wanted to play in the Premier League and I've realised that leaving the club isn't the right decision for me," said Carsley.

"I still want to play in the Premier League and I believe I can do that with Rovers.

"I've seen what has gone on over the summer and there's a different atmosphere around the club now.

"Everyone is more positive since Graeme Souness has come in and I want to be a part of it."

Carsley has admitted it was the disappointments of last season which initially prompted him to ask for a move.

But, after the fans turned on him during the friendly against Everton, he was amazed by the support he got off the manager. "The fans were entitled to their opinion but the way they reacted against Everton did shock me," said Carsley.

"But the manager stuck up for me and when people do things like that it means a lot -- you really appreciate it. I just felt so frustrated at the end of last season.

"I'd just been sent off for the first time in my career and I'd played under three different managers in the space of 12 months.

"And it all got to me in the end.

"But the gaffer has been really great to me over the summer.

"And I've now realised I'm at a good club and I believe we can get back into the Premier League together."

Ewood chief Souness is also delighted by the player's decision and believes he can still play a crucial role in the club's promotion bid.

"It's great news that Lee wants to stay," said Souness.

"We are going to need as many quality players as possible over the course of the season and we know all about Lee's ability."

Meanwhile, Souness was bubbling after Rovers kicked off the season with an impressive 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Goals from Matt Jansen and Nathan Blake during a four minute purple patch just before half time put Rovers in the driving seat.

"I thought they did very, very well for 45 minutes," said Souness.

"We weren't quite as good in the second half but by then we had done enough.

"But it's just good to get off to a winning start.

"There were a few nerves before the start of the game but, hopefully, this should settle us down.

"Palace tried to get physical during the first half but we responded in the correct manner by continuing to play football.

"I also thought David Dunn, Matt Jansen and Damien Duff were all excellent.

"Those three players could be the mainstay of the team for years to come."

Rovers have agreed to loan out striker Gary Hamilton to Rochdale.