IPSWICH boss George Burley has turned up the heat ahead of Wednesday's crunch relegation battle with Rovers at Ewood.

The Blues go into the match on the back of three straight defeats and, with vital games against fellow strugglers Bolton and Middlesbrough also looming large on the horizon, Burley knows the importance of beating Rovers.

"It's going to be a battle to stay in the Premiership," said Burley.

"At Christmas we were four points adrift at the bottom. We've managed to get a good run but we've lost the last three games. So, with 10 games left, there's everything to play for.

"We've got to keep our nerve, and keep working hard, because we've got some tough games coming up including a big one against Blackburn on Wednesday.

"We're looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can hang in there and keep us in the Premiership."