Source: PA
Stand up to the scud
Sam Allardyce admits Rory Delap's long throws are like a "Scud missile" but has warned his Blackburn players to show no fear of the Stoke bombardment.
Allardyce is anticipating a bruising battle at the Britannia Stadium but rejects suggestions that Tony Pulis' side are too physical.
The Rovers boss insists his players must be "man enough" to stand up to Stoke - starting with dealing with the famous Delap throw-in.
Allardyce said: "Many teams have a long-throw expert in their armoury but Rory Delap is the best at it, that's the difference.
"Rory Delap delivers the best Scud missile I have ever seen. Defending that makes life very difficult as often the goal is scored from a flick-on by your own defender.
"It's a weapon that has been evolving and now everybody talks about it but I say to the players 'it's still just a throw-in so don't get nervous and worried about it, get in your positions and go and attack it'."
