NORWEGIAN defender Stig Bjornebye believes Rovers can go into tonight's FA Cup replay against Barnsley brimming with confidence after turning the corner following a dodgy December.

The former Liverpool fullback admitted a wretched run of six defeats in seven Premiership games was a scary experience for everyone connected with the club.

But the arrival of new signing Andy Cole from Manchester United has given the whole dressing room a lift.

"It was a little bit scary a couple of weeks ago with the results we had," said Bjornebye.

"But it only takes a game like the one we had on Saturday to turn things around. I think we're quite confident in our home form."

Ironically, Rovers' alarming losing streak came to an end at Barnsley 10 days ago when a late Craig Hignett header earned the visitors a battling 1-1 draw.

Now Graeme Souness's men hope to finish the job off against in tonight's replay -- a result which would stretch their unbeaten run to four games.

But Bjornebye knows from experience that Rovers' passage into round four is far from a formality.

"We know Barnsley are a strong side and they'll be hard work to play against.

"But Charlton also played a direct, physical game and they were very lively up front so we need to concentrate like we did against them.

"There's always massive media hype around the third round. And that's only fair because this is a big chance for some of the lower league clubs to enjoy being in the spotlight.

"Of course we want to do well in it but the main priority for us is to make sure we finish comfortably in the Premiership in our first season back.

"We need that base in order to build for the future."