BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage today called on the club's supporters to roar the team to FA Cup glory.

Savage believes the fans have a crucial role to play in Sunday's quarter final with Leicester City and he has urged them to re-create the electric atmosphere that was evident for the 2-1 victory over Burnley in the previous round.

More than 7,000 Leicester fans are expected to descend on Ewood for the tie, which is why Savage thinks it's vital the home supporters make their presence felt by pumping up the volume this weekend.

The Welshman was bowled over by the brilliant backing Rovers received against the Clarets and he believes the fans could be worth 'an extra man' on Sunday as Mark Hughes and his players aim to lead the club to a first semi final in 45 years.

"The atmosphere against Burnley was fantastic," said Savage, who is battling to be fit to face his former club.

"I didn't know too much about the club before I came here but I'd love the atmosphere to be like that for every home game.

"I know it's expensive, I know Blackburn is only a small town and the amount of people that come to games is fantastic because it's not as if we're a big city club.

"To get crowds of 23,000 or 24,000 is an amazing achievement given the size of the population.

"Obviously, the players would love to play in front of a full house every week but being realistic, that's not going to happen.

"In saying that, the atmosphere and spirit against Burnley was tremendous, the crowd were like an extra man for us, and we need that again on Sunday.

"The Leicester fans will get behind their team but our fans can play a big part, too.

"They've been great with me so far and I just hope they can reproduce the same atmosphere that we had against Burnley because this is a massive game for us."

A bumper crowd of 28,691 - Rovers' second biggest of the season - turned out to watch the 2-1 win over Burnley in the last round.

Now the club are hoping for similar backing again and Savage insists the vocal support the team gets from the stands does translate itself onto the pitch.

"It makes a massive difference to the players," said the Welsh international.

"There's nothing better than hearing people sing your name and seeing the crowd getting behind you.

"I've played for teams in the past where the support has been great. Birmingham fans are probably amongst the most vocal in the country but Blackburn fans are great as well.

"The atmosphere against Chelsea was fantastic and the thing I've noticed with Blackburn fans is, as long as you give it everything you've got then they appreciate that, even if we get beat.

"I just hope we can do it for them on Sunday.

"It's the quarter finals of the FA Cup and we are all desperate to go further in this competition."

Ticket sales for Sunday's game are going steadily, with 19,000 sold up to close of play yesterday, but Rovers are still hoping for a late surge.

In the meantime, Savage is desperate to win his battle to be fit to face the Foxes.

The 30-year-old midfielder missed Sunday's 1-0 win at Everton due to a groin injury but he hopes a week of intensive treatment will enable him to make a sufficient recovery.

"I've had it for about three weeks now," explained Savage.

"I felt my left groin go following a tackle in the first few minutes of the Norwich game.

"I later had a scan which showed a bit of swelling on the tendon and the higher up it is, the worse it is.

"It got to the stage against Burnley where I couldn't move so I had to come off at half time but hopefully with an extra week's rest, I should be fit for Sunday."