MIDFIELD general Martin O'Connor is something of an expert when it comes to the art of giantkilling.

Two years ago, the vastly experienced Walsall skipper was a pivotal figure in Birmingham's charge to the Worthington Cup final after embarking on a run which saw them account for three Premiership sides along the way.

And now the 34-year-old believes a similar shock could be on the cards tonight as The Saddlers attempt to plot the downfall of the current holders, Blackburn Rovers, when the two clubs go head-to-head in a potentially intriguing battle at Ewood Park.

"Blackburn are clearly a great side and they like to play football but that should suit us because it gives us the chance to get the ball down and play as well," said O'Connor.

"If people allow us to play then we can because we have some good footballers in the side.

"We are under no illusions about the size of the task which is facing us but we honestly believe we have nothing to fear."

Walsall might be going into the tie on the back of a run which has reaped just one win in six but the general feeling at the Bescot Stadium is they have never been better equipped to pull off a giantkilling.

Manager Colin Lee has had to work within tight financial constraints in order to satisfy a board of directors whose thriftiness has led to the club registering a profit in each of the last 11 years.

But, thanks to his skill for picking up Bosmans, he has still managed to assemble an exciting squad by drawing on a mix of foreign and home-grown talent.

As many as seven different nationalities could be represented in the Saddlers' starting line-up tonight as Lee sends his foreign legion into battle.

New Zealand international Danny Hay and Spanish left-back Zigor Aranalde form the backbone of the Walsall defence.

In midfield, Australian wide-man Steve Corica and Jamaican international Fitzroy Simpson are the men charged with providing the craft and invention.

And, up front, Brazilian striker Junior has recently caught the eye alongside Portuguese partner Jorge Leitao after netting five goals in eight games since arriving from the French Second Division in the summer.

It's an unusual blend, particularly by First Division standards, but O'Connor -- who himself has two caps for the Cayman Islands -- believes it could end up developing into a recipe for success.

"The only people giving us a chance tonight are our own fans so that means we basically can't lose, whatever happens," said the midfielder, who is hoping to shake off a knee injury.

"This is a game where we can go out and relax, play our football, and then see what happens, which will suit us.

"It's a big test for us because it should give us a good guide as to how far we've come this season."

Manager Lee is certainly leaving nothing to chance.

He was in the directors box at Ewood on Sunday to watch Rovers struggle in a dour 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

But perhaps even more poignantly, he was also at Morecambe's Christie Park last Wednesday night to watch the reserves beat Bradford 3-0, clearly anticipating some of those on duty to be involved in some capacity tonight.