FORMER Ewood defender Marlon Broomes today warned his old Rovers team-mates not to take victory for granted ahead of tonight's Worthington Cup clash with struggling Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Broomes is better equipped than most to assess the strengths and weaknesses of both semi-finalists having recently joined the Owls on a free from Rovers.

And, despite Wednesday's perilous position in the First Division, the 23-year-old defender insists Rovers run the risk of 'coming a cropper' if they dare to underestimate Terry Yorath's men.

"Sheffield Wednesday have got nothing to fear going into these games because they've done well to get here in the first place," said Broomes.

"So the pressure's on Blackburn more than it is on us and, if anything, this is a welcome break from our problems in the league.

"We know Rovers are a quality side but we've beaten some quality teams like Sunderland and Aston Villa along the way.

"So we've no intention of being pushovers tonight."

Broomes, himself, would dearly have loved the chance to face his former club after recently being shown the door by Graeme Souness.

But, sadly, he's cup-tied tonight after appearing for Grimsby during a loan spell earlier in the season.

Nevertheless, he is still looking forward to the two-legged tie with relish.

And he insists his new team-mates must get a result on home soil to stand any chance of making it to the final at Cardiff.

"If we want to go through then we have to get a result at Hillsborough, it's as simple as that," said Broomes.

"Going to Ewood is going to be difficult as it is so it's vital we go there with something to defend.

"Blackburn are clearly the favourites to win so our lads should be able to go out, relax and enjoy their football, then we'll see what happens from there.

"I know we're struggling in the league at the minute but we've still got some good players at the club who can hurt teams on their day.

"Efan Ekoku can be a real handful up front because he's quick and strong and he's the type of player who can make a chance out of nothing.

"And I also rate Alan Quinn as a decent prospect, too. So there are several players Rovers will have to keep an eye on."

After spending six years at Ewood, Broomes is also well equipped to give his new employers the low-down on the Rovers squad.

But he insists Terry Yorath and his backroom staff have so far resisted the temptation to pump him for information.

"I don't think they need to ask me anything because all the Blackburn players are big names as it is so everyone knows what they are capable of."