THEY say Easter is the time when issues of promotion and relegation are virtually settled.

And looking at our next two games over the Bank Holiday weekend I can only agree because, if we want to be playing in the Premiership again next season, then nothing less than four points from the next six will do.

Leicester might have been struggling all season but we know from experience what awkward opposition they can be on their day after we were lucky to escape with a 0-0 draw against them at Ewood earlier in the season.

And if we don't go there with the right mental attitude then we'll be returning north with nothing to show for our efforts at 5pm tomorrow.

Then it's Southampton at Ewood on Monday night in what is another vital six-pointer at the bottom.

I've got to say I've been impressed by the job Gordon Strachan has done on the south coast and I know from chatting to the likes of James Beattie that he's very well thought of amongst the players.

It's also going to be a special night for my old pal Brett Ormerod, who will finally get the chance to play against Rovers in the Premiership.

I know Brett was gutted when Blackburn released him after his apprenticeship but instead of moping about it he set about rebuilding his career elsewhere and no-one was more delighted for him than me when the Saints snapped him up from Blackpool earlier in the season.

Let's just hope Brett doesn't return to haunt us on Monday night.

As things stand, I'm hoping I'll be able for both games after struggling with a rib injury over the last 10 days.

The problem first flared up against Ipswich after I got crunched by their keeper.

I then had an injection before the Leeds game to try and get me through but the pain became unbearable and I only lasted 35 minutes.

Since then, I've been mainly doing light training with the physios during our week-lomg break in Dubai.

But I joined in with the rest of the lads again yesterday and, providing there's no reaction today, I'm hoping to be involved at Filbert Street tomorrow.

As for the break in Dubai itself, I know a few people have been questioning the wisdom of us going away for a break in the sun when we are currently fighting for our Premiership lives, but the whole experience has done us the power of good.

Contrary to what some people believe it was not a holiday, more a chance to get away and get some quality training in away from the pressures of life in the Premiership.

During the day we relaxed in the warm weather then at 6pm every night we trained for two hours at a fantastic complex over there.

So it was a chance to get some rest and recuperation, but it's just as important to be able to switch off mentally as well.

Back in England, all the Press attention and everything else that goes with it can grind you down.

You only had to look in the papers while we were away to see what I mean.

There were a whole load of stories written about Andy Cole wanting to leave Ewood Park.

They claimed Andy was unhappy as a result of a series of dressing room bust-ups but, as far as I'm concerned, there's no problem with the spirit at this club.

We are all in this together and we'll all get out of it together as a team.