CHARLIE Mulgrew says the Rovers players are well aware of how big tonight’s East Lancashire derby with Burnley is to the fans as they look to pull off a cup upset.

The skipper dismissed any suggestion this was a ‘free hit’ for Rovers despite them going in to the game as underdogs given the two division gap between the sides.

For a number of the Rovers squad, Mulgrew included, this will be their first taste of an East Lancashire derby atmosphere.

But he says the players understand just what it means to the Rovers fans as they bid to end their seven year wait for a win over their local rivals.

“It’s a huge game. It’s one against our rivals, one the fans want to win and one they have been speaking about for the last couple of weeks,” the 31-year-old said.

“We realise how big a game it is and are all focussed and ready for the game.

“A couple of the lads have mentioned how big it is, how much it means to people and how good the atmosphere is.

“We are all prepared for the game.”

While promotion from League One remains Rovers’ priority this season Mulgrew doesn’t see the Carabao Cup tie as a no lose situation.

The Scotland international instead believes the rivalry between the sides means neither will be taking the game lightly.

Mulgrew added: “Our fans will be expecting us to put in a performance and fight like we did on Saturday and I think that’s the minimum, the least we can do.

“We are looking forward to the game.

“There will be more pressure on Burnley with them being the Premier League team but we are up for it and ready to go.

“The biggest game is always the next game so you take each game as it comes.

“Each game we need to be ready for and try and win.”

Rovers picked up their first points of the season with a 1-0 win at Bradford City on Saturday.

Dominic Samuel’s third goal in as many games ended the wait for the first points, something the captain is looking for them to build on.

“In terms of effort and commitment and doing the ugly side of the game it was a lot better,” Mulgrew added.

“We will need to do that against teams this year, especially away from home, and if we can add a bit of quality and confidence on the ball as the season goes on then we will be fine.”

Mulgrew was handed the armband this summer following the departure of Jason Lowe.

In the closing stages of the Valley Parade win, he could be seen dishing out orders to a number of players as Rovers tried to secure the three points.

And Mulgrew added: “That’s everyone’s responsibility, wanting to win.

“You could see that on Saturday, the same went for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you’re skipper or not, we all need to be leaders and do all we can for Blackburn to win the game.

“People should be the same with me and we get on with it.

“We are all friends when we come off the pitch but we all want to win and let each other know when things aren’t good enough.”