BLACKBURN defender Martin Taylor today insisted Rovers have got to summon up the character required to dig themselves out of a rut as Southampton head for Ewood tomorrow.

Taylor admits Wednesday night's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Sunderland left the dressing room devastated.

But he is adamant the only way his team-mates can turn things around is by getting back to basics.

"Obviously, we were hugely disappointed at going out of the FA Cup," said Taylor.

"I think everyone knows we are not playing well at the moment and we are desperate to get out of this rut and start playing well again.

"We've got some big games coming up and we've got to get our heads up and go into them with the attitude that we can get back to winning ways.

"Our league form isn't too desperate. The last six matches or so haven't been too bad but we've really got to improve on our last couple of performances.

"I'm not using it as an excuse but we have played a lot of games and I think that's starting to catch up with us.

"We played well during December and particularly over Christmas but since then we haven't really hit the same heights and it's difficult to put your finger on exactly why that is."