BLACKBURN striker Ben Burgess is ready to finish the season with a flourish as Brentford prepare for tomorrow's Second Division play-off clash with Huddersfield at the McAlpine Stadium.

The on-loan Rovers marksman is currently battling to be fit for the Bees first leg clash against the Terriers after being laid low by a niggling hamstring injury.

But the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international hopes to be back in time to renew his free-scoring partnership with Lloyd Owusu.

And he admits Steve Coppell's men are relishing the chance to bounce back in style after suffering the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion on the final day when Reading's late goal clinched the second spot.

"We are a good side and we fight hard and the play-offs will prove that," said the giant striker.

"We will be able to pick ourselves up. The boys were low after Saturday but we have a great team spirit and will have no problems in getting ourselves up for the play-offs.

"This is why we play football. To play in the big games, in front of big crowds and I can't wait for the play-offs to start."

Burgess has been a revelation for the Bees this season, scoring 18 goals to help fire the Londoners towards the First Division.

And he's doubly determined to sign off in style after receiving treatment back at Rovers' Academy in order to speed up his recovery.

"I've loved every minute of being here because the spirit within the squad at Brentford is something very, very special," he added.

"I have learned a lot and have enjoyed every minute, but that will only be complete once we have finished the job."

Meanwhile, a host of former Rovers players are also likely to be in play-off action over the next seven days.

In the First Division, Welsh international striker Nathan Blake will spearhead the Wolves attack as they take on Norwich, while Damien Johnson and Jeff Kenna will be hoping Birmingham City can overcome Millwall.

In the Second Division, Peter Thorne and Gary Croft are planning to have a big say in Cardiff's tie with Stoke City.

And the Division Three encounter between Rochdale and Rushden will see Garry Flitcroft's brother, Dave, in action for Dale.

Thorne, in particular, is relishing Cardiff's clash with Stoke -- the club he joined the Bluebirds from in a club-record deal earlier in the season.

But he's expecting some stick on his return to the Britannia Stadium if Cardiff team-mate Graham Kavanagh's experiences are anything to go by.

"Kav told me he had unbelievable stick when he went back to Stoke," said the 28-year-old striker.

"I felt bad because I let him take all the abuse on his own. I'd like to think I'll get a fair reception from the Stoke fans, but I don't think I will which is a shame.

"But that won't bother me because I've got a thick skin.

"These things happen in football. I've had bad receptions in the past and I'm sure I'll have some bad ones in the future."