BLACKBURN Rovers' scoring sensation Morten Gamst Pedersen has started as he means to go on after he opened his account for the season with a stunning strike against Hamburg here in Germany.

The free-scoring Norwegian, who has a habit of scoring spectacular goals, conjured up another collector's item in Sunday's friendly when he flashed a brilliant drive into the top corner from fully 25 yards out.

It was a goal worthy of gracing any game and while the execution was all Pedersen's, the former Tromso flyer was also quick to praise his new team-mate Jason Roberts for setting up the opportunity, the Grenadan playing a small but significant part with a perfect headed flick.

It was great to score again. I hit the ball well, it was really good work from Jason Roberts, and I wouldn't have scored without that,'' said Pedersen, with typical generosity.

Jason got a good touch and I just tried to pull the trigger; it is something we've talked about in training, if you don't shoot you don't score, and this time I hit the target.'' With Roberts providing a muscular presence up front, Pedersen is likely to be the first of many to profit from the former Wigan man's hold-up play during the coming months.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes, himself a master in the art of playing with his back to goal, appreciates more than most the importance of having a physical edge up front to help make chances for others.

While Pedersen's strike was undoubtedly the highlight of Sunday night's run-out, Hughes was also pleased with the general performance of his players.

Hamburg are playing in the Champions League, it was different than the game against Accrington Stanley, you do better when you play against good sides and I think we showed we can play good football - it was fun.'' Rovers will get another chance to test themselves against European opponents when they face the Greek champions, Olympiakos, at the Ritter-von-Halt Stadion in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Friday And for Pedersen the game has a little extra significance, other than the chance for more shooting practice.

Olympiakos have a Norwegian manager so I can't lose against him!" he added.