DERBY defender Chris Riggott is desperate to avenge last season's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Rovers as the two sides prepare to square up again at Pride Park tomorrow.

The Rams were mauled 5-2 in a thrilling fourth round replay and Riggott admits the painful memories of that night will make his team-mates doubly determined to get the season off to a winning start.

"It's going to be a difficult start for us against Blackburn because I have bad memories from our FA Cup game with them art Pride Park last season," said Riggott.

"We made such a good start in that match and I opened the scoring but then they came back and won 5-2 in the end.

"That was one of the worst matches I played in last year.

"So we are desperate to make up for that and get off to a good start."

A disastrous opening last term plunged the Rams deep into the relegation mire before Colin Todd was brought in to lead a salvage operation over the second half of the season.

But, with Fabrizio Ravanelli now on board following his free transfer move from Lazio over the summer, hopes are now high ahead of the big kick-off -- providing Jim Smith's men can steer clear of injuries.

"Most of the players are fit which wasn't the case a year ago while Fab has settled in quickly since joining us so he should sharpen us up in attack," said Riggott.

"In training he's looked deadly and he took his two goals really well while we were away in Estonia and Finland.

"But he's also a very nice man, too, and his arrival should help us this season."

Riggott's form at the back is also likely to be a crucial factor in whether the Rams can avoid being sucked into a dog-fight.

The England Under 21 international's inspirational form last term alerted the attention of Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, but County boss Smith was quick to slap a not for sale sign on his highly-rated youngster.