ROQUE Santa Cruz believes Rovers only have themselves to blame for missing out on the group stages of the UEFA Cup, but the top scorer insists the team is good enough to finish in the top six and qualify for Europe again this season.

Recovering from the 3-2 aggregate defeat by Greek outfit Larissa, Santa Cruz said: "Even though we won the second leg, nobody has the feeling that usually follows a victory.

"It is our fault that we are out now, for some reason we didn't do enough to qualify and we went out against a team which is not better than us. That is what I believe.

"Everyone want to be there again and to do better next time. To do that we have to finish in a good position and I think we can make the top six."

Rovers have the opportunity to put Thursday's disappointment behind them when Birmingham City are the visitors to Ewood Park on Sunday. Tickets for the game will be on sale up until kick-off. Fans can reserve their seats online or over the phone on 0871 222 1444 and collect them from the collection point next to Sports World on Sunday.

Same again on Sunday

MARK Hughes has once again urged Rovers fans to turn out in their numbers to cheer on the team against Birmingham on Sunday.

Hughes insists the support of the crowd against Larissa on Thursday was very encouraging and is hoping for more of the same.

"I thought the fans were fantastic against Larissa," admitted the Rovers chief. "They really got behind us and there was a great atmosphere even before the game.

"There was a sense of anticipation and excitement before the game, but unfortunately we weren't able to get the job done on the night.

"Hopefully the fans replicated their fantastic support against Birmingham on Sunday."