GARRY Flitcroft today said Rovers are ready to finish the season with a flourish following their short break in Marbella.

Flitcroft and his Ewood team-mates have spent the last five days resting and recuperating in the Spanish sunshine.

And the 30-year-old skipper believes the players are now mentally and physically prepared for a top-six charge during a tough run-in which features some big games against the Premiership's big guns.

"When we've been away in the past, we've always come back and done quite well so I'm hoping this can have the same effect again," said Flitcroft, as the squad prepares to resume training at Brockhall tomorrow.

"It's been a great chance for the lads to get together, play a bit of golf, and have the opportunity to relax so we can come back nice and refreshed.

"It is important to be able to have a laugh and a joke together now and again because that lifts everyone in the dressing room.

"The trip was made all the better by the fact our last few results have been superb.

"Wins breed confidence, we've got a good team spirit going, everyone is buzzing at the minute, and we're now looking forward to the next two games, which are both massive.

"We certainly haven't given up on a top six spot.

"We've just got to try and win as many games as we can between now and the end of the season and hope that some of the teams above us slip up."

Rovers have now effectively secured their Premiership status for another 12 months thanks to back-to-back wins over Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester City.

And with just two points currently separating them and sixth-placed Charlton, they are handily placed to mount a late charge for Europe.

Rovers have finished each of the last two seasons strongly following similar breaks in Dubai.

And four wins from their remaining nine games may well be enough to secure a UEFA Cup spot come May 11.

In the meantime, Flitcroft believes the recent up-turn in fortunes owes a lot to the return of experienced duo Henning Berg and Craig Short, who have brought some stability to the back four.

"If you look at the lads who've returned, Henning and Craig Short are both experienced lads who know their jobs," said Flitcroft.

"There's no doubt Tiny and Jay McEveley are both going to be good footballers but they are prone to making the odd mistake so when you've got the more experienced lads in there they don't do that as much.

"They defend solidly and do more talking which is vitally important."