LEICESTER City midfielder Robbie Savage is the Premiership player everyone loves to hate.

But as far as Foxes boss Dave Bassett is concerned, the shaggy-haired Welshman is a vital cog in his City machine.

And Rovers will need to match his raw aggression and stamina in the engine room if they plan to come away from Filbert Street with the points tomorrow.

Savage -- vastly underrated by many critics -- is booed at virtually every ground in the country after earning himself a reputation for being one of the biggest spoilers in the game.

But whether you're a fan of his style or not, there's no denying the fact it's certainly effective as he proved at Ewood earlier in the season when the Foxes ground out a vital point after a dire 0-0 draw.

Therefore, Ewood enforcer Garry Flitcroft could have a crucial role to play for Rovers as he looks to win the duel of the hardmen.

Given the way Leicester play, it's vital Rovers win the battle tomorrow before they can go on to win the war.