CSKA Sofia officials have promised a carnival atmosphere for the second leg of their UEFA Cup first round clash with Rovers next week.

The Bulgarian club are expecting a bumper sell-out crowd of 22,000 for the eagerly anticipated tie, which is almost double their average gate.

And they plan to make sure the night goes with a bang by putting on a spectacular show Sofia-style for the 500 or so visiting supporters.

"The game has captured the imagination of the public over here and we are expecting a sell-out crowd when the tickets go on sale on Monday," said Vladimir Roupov, CSKA's official press officer.

"The result we got from the first leg was very good so we are expecting fans from all over Bulgaria to come to the game.

"The club are planning to make banners which will turn the whole stadium red, white and green, which are our national colours.

"And the chairman of the fan club hopes to release thousands of balloons before kick-off so it's going to be a good show."

CSKA will go into the game as marginal favourites having secured what could turn out to be a priceless away goal at Ewood Park just nine days ago.

The Bulgarians are confident they can finish the job off on home soil.

"Everyone is confident. We are quite optimistic," added Roupov. "But that doesn't mean to say we are underestimating Blackburn.

"If they come with all their star players, we know it's going to be tough but we are ready for them."