Big Sam sees Rovers bid as job well done

SAM ALLARDYCE admits he will get more satisfaction steering Blackburn Rovers to a cup final than he did with Bolton Wanderers.

Allardyce hopes to take another step towards the national stadium tonight when his side face Aston Villa in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Ewood Park.

Six years ago Allardyce suffered the disappointment of seeing Bolton lose to Middlesbrough in the final at the Millennium Stadium. The Trotters secured their place in Cardiff after beating Villa in the last four, thanks to a thumping 5-2 victory in the first leg.

Allardyce said: "It would be an even greater achievement getting Blackburn to Wembley, compared to Bolton. I have only been here for a year and we are on the verge of going to one of the major finals.

"When Bolton got to the final I had been there for a few years. The side was established and playing very well.

"I would love to go to Wembley and walk my team out. It would be a terrific experience for everyone and one to remember for the rest of our lives."

Midfielder Brett Emerton returns to the squad after recovering from a groin injury.

However El-Hadji Diouf is sidelined through suspension after being sent off at the weekend while Vince Grella is absent with a thigh problem.