AS far as Blackburn fans are concerned, Cup finals must feel a bit like buses at the moment.

For after waiting 42 years for one to come along, suddenly they've now got 13 to savour in the space of three months.

The first in Cardiff on Sunday felt like everyone's Christmas's and birthdays rolled into one.

And if Graeme Souness and his players can keep that momentum going between now and May 11 then Rovers will surely be playing in the Premiership again next season.

I know they say one swallow doesn't make a summer.

But anyone who was at the Millennium Stadium could be forgiven for thinking one goal might yet save a season.

For Andy Cole's priceless 69th minute finish was far more than a match-winning strike in a major Cup final. Oh no!

I firmly believe we could well look back on that goal in a few months time as the defining moment in Rovers' whole campaign.

Just look at the evidence. This time last week the cup was half empty rather than half full as far as Rovers were concerned.

Stuck in a rut in the Premiership, controversially booted out of the FA Cup and seemingly heading for Worthington Cup heartbreak in the absence of four key players -- the whole season appeared to be falling apart at the seams.

But, thanks to one magic swish of his famous right boot, Andy 'Goal-King' Cole has now blown all the dark clouds away -- albeit temporarily at least.

And, suddenly, that sense of despondency has since been replaced by confidence.

Now, with this new-found belief Rovers can tackle their next dozen league games with all the vigour of a team of champions for hope, indeed, springs eternal.

And why do I predict such an amazing transformation? Because there's nothing quite like the whiff of success to make a group of players suddenly feel as though they are 10 feet tall.

The situation couldn't be clearer. Rovers have got 12 games to save their skins and, according to my calculations, they need to win at least five to make sure they stay up.

Six points over the next seven days would go along way to taking the pressure off.

Wanderers have only won once at home since September while Aston Villa -- the visitors to Ewood next Tuesday -- are currently going through a transitional stage under new boss Graham Taylor so the points are there for the taking.

Now they must summon up the spirit of Cardiff once again to make that possible -- because there's nothing quite like striking while the iron's hot!