Gillespie goes from reckless wild boy to comeback kid

The days of reckless gambling and wild nights out appear to be a thing of the past for Keith Gillespie, who is adapting well to Graeme Souness' strict regime at Blackburn.

The slight Northern Ireland winger has started back in the Premiership in superb form for Rovers, not least with a superb solo goal on Wednesday against Manchester United, the club with whom he started his career.

Six months ago, his future at Rovers was in grave doubt. When Souness arrived, he put Gillespie on the transfer list before farming him out on loan to the Second Division side, Wigan.

Gillespie readily accepts that admonishment can sometimes work wonders, and so it seems to have proved. The 26-year-old winger, so promising in his early days that he was even compared with George Best, is known as one of the friendliest players in the game but he has struggled in the past with off-the-field problems.

While at Newcastle he racked up gambling debts of £60,000, and on one nightout during a pre-season tourto Dublin he infuriated Alan Shearer so much that the then England captain apparently made hisdispleasure clear with a fist. Now, such has been his impact against Derby and United, it is as if Blackburn have signed a new player.

"I'm delighted for him," Souness said. "He's not a boy who has been without his personal problems in his career but he looks to have settled down in every aspect of his life. No one can doubt his ability – the only doubt was how much he wanted to operate at the highest level and not allow other things to get on top of him."

Tottenham are the visitors to Ewood Park today, and Gillespie is determined to maintain his form. "I'm really enjoying my football again and I'd like to think I'm playing quite well at the moment," he said. "I just need to work on my fitness now and get myself up to speed."

Gillespie's resurgence has meant that Souness has been able to concentrate on finding another defender rather than look to strengthen his midfield first. Craig Short was sent off during Wednesday's thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United and there is no top quality replacement to play alongside Henning Berg while he is suspended.

"We are looking to strengthen our defence – and our midfield as well having said that, but a defender is first on the list," Souness said. "We feel we are a bit short of a defender if we get injuries or suspensions."