ROVERS are riding high based on results and performances and not reputation, according to Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander.

Tony Mowbray has led his side to third in the table at the halfway stage of the season helped by a 12 match unbeaten run.

Scunthorpe are enjoying a fine season of their own, two points shy of Rovers and also an automatic promotion spot.

The two sides played out a tight match at Glanford Park in September in which Rovers edged 1-0.

And Iron boss Alexander is predicting another close fought game between two in-form teams.

“They are on a fantastic run of form, are a very good team and have an experienced manager,” he said.

“They are not up there because of their name but because of the players they have and the way they play.

“They have good players but we have good players and that’s the most important thing.

“These games look after themselves. The motivation form both sets of players will be really high.

“You don’t have to cook up the situation. Both clubs know exceptionally well where the opposition is.

“We are not blind to the situation. We know where Blackburn are and know what a good team they are.

“We have to perform as we have done in last few games to get anything from game. I think I know where the team is but sometimes you need the results to strengthen that.”

Alexander will mark 100 games in charge of Scunthorpe on New Year’s Day. A Preston North End stalwart in his playing days, he says that will have no impact on his desire to win at Ewood Park.

“It doesn’t mean more to me,” he told the Scunthorpe Telegraph.

“The biggest focus is my team and I want my players to feel good going into games and coming out of them.

“I see it as the next hurdle to overcome and the biggest joy I get is not beating one single opponent but our team winning.

“Winning games is what makes everyone feel good. I know the responsibility for that is on my shoulders to give everybody that feeling but there is no way I can do that on my own.

“We need everyone pulling in the same direction to keep this run of form and go all the way to May.”