EWOOD chief executive John Williams today promised fans a star-studded cast for Sunday's prestigious friendly with Barcelona -- even though Brazilian ace Rivaldo now looks a certain non-starter.

Interest in the fixture has captured the imagination of the whole town with Ewood officials expecting a bumper crowd in excess of 20,000.

And Williams insists the Catalan giants are bringing a first team squad packed with plenty of big names after insisting on that being a condition of the original contract.

However, former World Footballer of the Year Rivaldo does not appear to be Ewood bound after being called up for a World Cup qualifier with Brazil next week.

Barca coach Charly Rexach did win a club versus country battle earlier this week in order to have his star man available for last night's Champions League clash with Wisla Krakow in which the brilliant Brazilian scored a stunning hat-trick to secure a 4-3 win.

But he has been ordered to report for international duty on Saturday ahead of his country's crucial qualifier with Paraguay next Wednesday.

And two of his Barca team-mates are also expected to join him in that squad after being excused from Brazil's friendly with Panama earlier this week.

Despite their absence, however, Rovers fans can still expect to see a host of star names with the likes of Dutch ace Patrick Kluivert and Spanish international Luis Enrique possible starters on Sunday.

And, with barely a week to go before the Premiership kicks-off, it's a perfect opportunity for Rovers to announce their return to the big-time.

"It's definitely going to be a first team squad -- subject to injuries and international call-ups -- because that was a major part of the contract when we originally signed it," said Williams.

"So it should be a great occasion because Barcelona are without doubt one of the most famous teams in the world.

"It certainly seems to have captured the imagination of the fans and, the way tickets are going, we could get a gate in excess of 20,000 which would be a marvellous achievement.

"I think the last time we played a top continental side in a friendly at Ewood it was PSV Eindhoven when we got 15,000.

"But so far, we've sold 17,000 tickets for this one and we're expecting to sell quite a few more between now and Sunday."