WHOEVER said footballers aren't allowed to have fun between Christmas and New Year had better sympathise with Matt Jansen.

When I asked Matt what the players would be doing to kill time ahead of Rovers' game at Norwich on New Year's Day, it sounded like he was in for a real burster.

"I'll be rooming with John Curtis and he'll probably have Ceefax on," mused Jansen.

"He's a Ceefax nut so it's going to be quite a boring one.

"He's always checking up on the Stock Market and stuff which drives me mad."

Why Grinch

and bear it? TALKING of the Norwich game, am I the only one who felt cheated at having to make the long trek across country to Carrow Road on New Year's Day?

The Christmas period used to be a time for big derbies and bumper crowds but the people who run the Football League these days seem to be losing sight of this great sporting tradition.

Of all the fixtures to give Rovers on New Year's Day, I can't see the point in organising a game with our great friends and 'local rivals' Norwich?

With the weather as it and the temptation to have a skinful the night before, surely the football authorities should be trying to keep people off the roads rather than sending supporters on a 400 mile expedition.

But, more importantly, it's denying fans the chance to see their team on a day traditionally associated with watching footy.

It's not as if Rovers are short of derby games this season with Preston, Burnley and Bolton all in the same division, not to mention the likes of Stockport, Barnsley and Huddersfield as well.

I might sound like The Grinch with his knickers in a knot but 'come on lads, get a grip!' ROVERS midfielder Craig Hignett is no longer under the wing of former mentor Dave Bassett.

But the Bassett factor still plays a major part in the cheeky scouser's daily routine -- but it's Bertie Bassett not former Barnsley boss Dave I'm referring to!

Hignett -- who earlier this season celebrated his injury time winner against Stockport with a packet of Jaffa Cakes -- has revealed that Liquorice Allsorts are his new secret weapon.

"I stock up on lthem before training because my sugar's been low!"

Big draw DON'T forget if Rovers beat Chester at Ewood today then the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup will take place tomorrow tea-time on ITV at 5.55pm.

Rovers have been given ball number two -- assuming they go through of course!