Big Sam eager for FA Cup success

13 February 2009 15:30
Allardyce takes time out from Rovers' battle against relegation with a home tie against his former club Coventry on Saturday.[LNB]He is anxious to claim a place in the latter stages and end a jinx which began during his first season with Bolton.[LNB]Allardyce said: "I still have lodged in my mind very vividly losing a penalty shoot out against Aston Villa in the semi-final in 2000.[LNB]"It was a game we should have won but Dean Holdsworth missed an absolute sitter near the end.[LNB]"The excitement and build up to that game at Wembley was massive, so it is important we put aside all our troubles in Premier League and think only of the glory of FA Cup."[LNB]Allardyce expects a tough game against Chris Coleman's Coventry after the Championship side rattled up a 4-1 victory at Ewood Park in last season's competition.[LNB]He said: "They are in good form and will come with confidence and probably play above themselves.[LNB]"Some of our players will still have it fresh in their mind what happened last year when we got a good thrashing, so we will have to be at our best."[LNB]Blackburn reached this stage of the competition after beating non-league Blyth and then Sunderland.[LNB]However they will be without El-Hadji Diouf and Aaron Mokoena as they are ineligible and suspended respectively.[LNB]Allardyce will make no excuses about using some of his fringe players. "You have to use your squad to the full," he said. "It makes perfect sense."[LNB][LNB]  

Source: Team_Talk