SOUNESS today insisted his side have a duty to the fans to turn on the style in tonight's Worthington Cup clash with Oldham at Ewood.

Last season, the Rovers boss admitted the competition did not feature high on his list of priorities as he looked to lead the club back into the Premiership.

But now Rovers are back in the top-flight, the two domestic cup competitions have taken on greater importance -- especially with European places up for grabs.

"Last season we talked about the cup competitions being a very poor second but that's not the case this year -- we want to do well in every game we play," said Souness. "What we must remember is that the people turning up will have paid hard-earned cash and it's our duty to entertain them because it's a big part of their week to come and watch us play.

"Oldham will come with a nothing to lose attitude and we've got to be ready for that because cup competitions in England are littered with upsets so we must be prepared for whatever they throw at us.

"It's not going to be target-practice, that's for sure."

That said, Souness will make changes tonight after leaving first team regulars like Craig Short and skipper Garry Flitcroft out of his squad.

New-boy Lucas Neill is also cup-tied after playing in a first round tie with Millwall.

John Curtis is facing two weeks on the sidelines after tearing a muscle in his calf, while Jeff Kenna has been told he can leave on a free transfer.

But new £6.75 million signing Grabbi could be fit to return after resuming training yesterday following a sciatica problem.

Rovers will choose from: Friedel, Miller, Taylor, Berg, Bjornebye, Johnson, McAteer, Tugay, Hignett, Mahon, Grabbi, Jansen, Blake, Ostenstad, Greer, Duff, Gillespie, Hughes.

Oldham from: Kelly, Prenderville, Balmer, McNiven, Rickers, Carss, Sheridan J, Sheridan D, Duxbury, Allott, Eyre, Tipton, Corazzin, Garnett, Eyres, Miskelly.