BLACKBURN Rovers have been given the chance to improve their recent poor Capital One Cup record against League One opposition after being drawn at home to Shrewsbury Town in the first round. 

Rovers have been knocked out of the competition in the past three seasons by teams from the third tier of English football.

And Shrewsbury’s boss, and former Burnley midfielder, Micky Mellon will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Scunthorpe United, Carlisle United and MK Dons.

Mellon, whose newly promoted side stunned Blackpool, Leicester City and Norwich City last season before being beaten by eventual winners Chelsea in the last 16, said: “It will be a fantastic opportunity for us to go and measure ourselves against an excellent Blackburn side.

“I’ve had plenty of games against them in my career, especially derbies for Burnley, so I know what they’re about. Their fans are very passionate and they expect Blackburn to win every game they play, so the challenge is there for us.”

The tie, which will be played the week beginning August 10, will be the first meeting of the teams since November 1993.

Then Premier League Rovers came from 3-1 down to win a thrilling Coca-Cola Cup third-round replay at Gay Meadow 4-3 thanks to two goals from Mike Newell and one each from David May and extra-time matchwinner Ian Pearce.