BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness may have to throw himself at the mercy of Republic of Ireland chief Mick McCarthy in a bid to strengthen his side's promotion push.

Rovers' clash with Grimsby Town at Blundell Park on March 24 has now had to be rearranged for the penultimate week of the season because of World Cup qualifiers.

But the new date of Tuesday 24 April also clashes with international friendlies and that could mean Rovers may have to take on the Mariners without up to six key players if they want to avoid playing four times in the final week of the season.

Norway and the Republic of Ireland have both got friendlies that week which could mean possible call-ups for Henning Berg, Stig Bjornebye, Damien Duff, Jason McAteer, Alan Kelly and Alan Mahon.

But Rovers are hopeful that both McCarthy and his Norwegian counterpart Nilsjohan Semb will be sympathetic to the situation and may not call-up their full Rovers contingent.

"We are aware of the fact that there are some international friendlies and Graeme will be speaking to the respective managers," said chief executive John Williams.

"But when we arranged the fixture we knew it was either that or we play an extra game in the final week so I think we've gone for the best option."

Rovers' already face three games in the final week of the season after their outstanding fixture with Preston at Deepdale was rearranged for Wednesday, May 2.

So, in order to avoid risking playing four times in the last nine days, they have had to pencil in the Grimsby match the week before -- the only free midweek slot available between now and the end of the season.

Meanwhile, England Under 21 international David Dunn insists Rovers cannot afford to start feeling sorry for themselves after Saturday's FA Cup defeat.

With tomorrow's promotion showdown with Birmoingham at St Andrews looming large on the horizon, Rovers must raise themselves quickly following their 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.

"We've got to go into tomorrow night's game full of confidence -- we can't afford to let what happened on Saturday affect us," said Dunn.

"Whenever you lose a game it's always disappointing and Saturday was no different.

"But we can't start feeling sorry for ourselves because there's a job to do.

"This is the big one and we've got to go down there and try and win it."

And Rovers striker Marcus Bent shares the same sentiments.

"I don't think we were at the races in the first half at Highbury and they gave us a bit of a lesson.

"But the important thing is now that we take that board and learn from it," said Bent.

"We've got to take it on the chin and focus all our attention on tomorrow now.

"It's not going to be difficult to raise ourselves.

"We know what is at stake and we want to be playing the Arsenals of this world twice next season."

Rovers reserves are in action against Middlesbrough tonight at Billingham Synthonia (kick off 7pm).

Welsh international striker Nathan Blake could make his long-awaited comeback after a thigh strain.

Rovers' crucial promotion battle with Birmingham at St Andrews tomorrow will be shown live on Sky TV.

City officials are expecting a near capacity crowd of 29,000 for the clash and Rovers have now sold all of their 1800 allocation.

A fleet of 24 free coaches will leave Ewood tomorrow and travel south in convey for the game.