Diouf shows his quality

New Blackburn loan signing Mame Biram Diouf made himself an instant hero by scoring a hat-trick in his side’s Carling Cup second round tie versus Norwich City.

Diouf’s hat-trick came as Blackburn eased into the third round with a 3-1 victory over the Championship new boys, improving their Carling Cup betting odds in the process. The striker, who joined on a season long loan deal from Manchester United, headed his side into the lead on the half hour mark. Diouf scored two more goals in the second half to kill off the tie before Norwich defender Jens Berthal Askou grabbed a 90th minute consolation.

It was the Senegalese striker’s first start for his new club after coming off the bench in Blackburn’s first two Premier League games. He showed exactly why United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates him so highly as a finisher. His first goal was a typical poacher’s finish – after a long throw was flicked on, the big striker was in the right place to score a stooping header.

It was a similar story with the striker’s second goal – when a Morten Gamst Pedersen shot was spilled by Norwich keeper Declan Rudd, Diouf was there again to stab the ball home from close range. His third came from another header, finishing nicely from five yards, to seal his hat-trick in the 84th minute.

This comfortable victory will give Blackburn confidence going into the third round of the competition. The game could also prove to be Diouf’s springboard to go on and have a prolific season in a Blackburn shirt. And if Rovers get a taste for cup football, they could see their FA Cup odds tumble too.