Worthington Cup 3rd round: Crewe Alexandra v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's big match preview

DARIO Gradi had the air of a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders as he saw his team go four goals down to Tranmere on Saturday - by quarter past three!

But there was no sign of such a depression immediately after a First Division clash they ultimately lost 4-1 and he turned his thoughts to this evening's Worthington Cup third round tie against the other Rovers, of Blackburn.

In fact, the Crewe Alexandra boss was positively light-hearted, doing a passable impersonation of Manuel from Fawlty Towers when he claimed - Blackburn? I know nothing.

Roy Hodgson, however, will have enough respect for Gradi's formidable reputation as a coach to know that whatever the shape of the side Crewe field tonight, they will be competitive, well organised and looking to claim a Premiership scalp.

And, in the cup competitions, anything goes.

Contrary to popular expectations, and unlike his counterpart Hodgson who could have done without this match, Gradi welcomes the chance to put abysmal League form to one side.

"It's a super game for us and could not be coming at a better time," he said after seeing his team stay rooted in next-to-bottom spot of Division One.

"I don't know anything about Blackburn. It's ages since I have seen them play, although I will probably have a day out when they play Arsenal.

"Is Sherwood still there? I don't know their team, I couldn't tell you their team.

"And the way we have been playing people will be saying that it's a game we would want to avoid at this time. "But I don't think so.

"If nothing else, at least we can't lose any League points to Blackburn."

Gradi's apparent devil-may-care attitude won't fool anybody at Ewood. For his reputation precedes him.

By 7.45pm tonight both he, and his players, will be fully informed of everything they need to know about Rovers.

But the fact is that Gradi - like Hodgson - does have big problems.

He has promised changes in personnel and could also alter the system but he refuses to give anything away, stressing that forward Colin Little, a goalscoring substitute against Tranmere, is the only certain starter.

He also has concerns about his goalkeeper, Australian Jason Kearton who has appeared in the top flight with Everton and is nearing 100 League appearances for Crewe.

"It's no good me worrying about Blackburn, we have weaknesses all over," added the manager.

"I haven't got a clue what the team will be but Colin Little will definitely play with 10 others. "Jason Kearton has had a crisis of confidence. Well, I hope that's what it is. If it isn't we have a problem because he's just signed a long-term contract.

"He's a super lad, but too laid-back and not competitive enough.

"If I have to, I'll borrow someone."

Gradi's comments are no doubt partially designed to wind up his team but he won't need to do that.

And there was a warning for Rovers from Crewe's one-time record signing, £500,000 centre back Dave Walton.

He said in the wake of the Tranmere defeat: "We are all a bit shell-shocked and it can't get any worse, can it.

"We could say that playing Blackburn at this point is a nightmare prospect but it can work the other way.

"It's an opportunity for us to get our season going."

Similar words could well have been uttered at Ewood.

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