BLACKBURN Rovers plan to cash in on the hype surrounding their UEFA Cup clash with Celtic by auctioning off the TV rights to the highest bidder next week.

A clutch of terrestrial and satellite companies, believed to include the BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Sky, are currently locked in a TV bidding war with both clubs for the rights to screen the eagerly anticipated 'Battle of Britain'.

And Rovers are hoping to strike a bumper six-figure deal for the second leg in the next couple of days as they attempt to maximise the commercial potential of a tie which has captured the imagination of fans both north and south of the border.

"There has been a number of expressions of interest from various parties because this is obviously seen as a very, very big game for the TV companies," admitted chief executive John Williams today.

"We will pick our way through the discussions and probably make a decision at some point next week.

"But I can confirm that we have been contacted by a number of satellite and terrestrial companies who are very keen to do a deal."

Aside from the football issues, Tuesday's draw in Geneva could hardly have worked out better for Rovers from a commercial point of view.

Not only do they stand to pocket a significant amount from TV revenue, but the interest already generated by the tie is sure to guarantee both legs are sell-outs.

As I understand it, Celtic plan to offer Rovers around 3,000 tickets for the first leg at Parkhead, the details of which will be announced early next week.

But arrangements for the second leg a fortnight later have yet to be finalised, although Rovers are currently toying with the idea of giving the Glaswegians the full Darwen End in a bid to alleviate the risk of home areas being infiltrated by hordes of visiting fans.

"That's a difficult one for us," said Williams.

"From a fan's point of view, I'd rather give them the top section of the away end.

"But we've also got to think about the various safety aspects and the possibility of infiltration in home areas by fans without tickets."