Reid expecting tough test
17 Mar 2006 - 08:53:06
-
- Reid expecting tough test
Blackburn Rovers hope to boost their bid to secure a place in Europe next season by seeing off UEFA Cup heroes Middlesbrough at Ewood Park.
Rovers have emerged as genuine contenders for a Champions League spot, as they trail fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur by just three points.
Mark Hughes' side have won three of their last four league games, but the one defeat was a 3-2 reverse at White Hart Lane that kept Spurs in pole position for fourth.
Rovers midfielder Steven Reid is expecting a tough test this weekend, telling the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "They've picked up since we played them over Christmas and they're looking a different side now.
"They're looking to push into the top half of the league so it's going to be a completely different game compared to the last time we met.
"If we continue to play like we have been doing in the last few weeks then we are looking to be in the top six at least and there's no reason why we can't even get into the top four."
Rovers won 2-0 at The Riverside in the Premiership on Boxing Day, having edged a 1-0 Carling Cup quarter-final victory five days earlier.
While Rovers were enjoying a week without a game, Boro were sealing a place in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, despite losing 2-1 away to AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Boro edged through on away goals after the tie ended level at 2-2, with boss Steve McClaren proud of his side's efforts.
He said: "It was an incredible night. AS Roma are a hell of a good side and it was nerve-racking at home, but character got us through.
"You don't get many occasions where you go to the Olympic Stadium and put out the favourites."
Boro's domestic form has also been improving as they have banished fears of a relegation battle, but last time out they lost 2-1 at Charlton Athletic as McClaren rested a number of players ahead of the midweek European action.