Blackburn Rovers set their sights on their first home victory of the season against Tranmere tomorrow - by going 'paintballing'.

And skipper Jason Wilcox feels the outing has added the gloss to a team spirit he believes was already second to none.

Given a day off by manager Brian Kidd during the break in fixtures, the Ewood squad decided to spend it together by taking part in paintball war games at Skelmersdale.

Following the pre-match 'huddle' at Norwich it was another example of how the players intend pulling together to get the club on the right track. "People have tried to knock our spirit but that's completely untrue. No team has a better spirit than us," said Wilcox.

"It was a great exercise. We took the young lads with us and it was just a pity the players away on international duty couldn't go. Anything less than promotion will be a failure this season. But we have nothing to fear and we don't want the fans to get anxious.

"We want to do it for them as much as ourselves. It's all about Blackburn Rovers the club. That means players, staff, directors, supporters, everyone - not just 11 players on one particular day.

"It doesn't half make a difference when the crowd is behind you and everybody is pulling in the same direction.

"We know the fans have had a hell of a time, going from being champions to relegation. It's been the same for us. But I thought we looked solid in the last game at Norwich, more aggressive in the right way and as though we really wanted to win. "We need exactly the same against Tranmere tomorrow."

The Merseysiders, like every team Rovers have played this season, will be 'up' for their visit to Ewood.

Despite their poor showing so far, they are likely to get men behind the ball and defend in depth with a draw being regarded as a success.

And, as their disciplinary record suggests, they probably won't be afraid to dish out a bit of stick if they feel that is required.

Kidd has to decide whether to change a winning set-up from the last game at Norwich a fortnight ago.

He has more players available, providing there were no late problems from the host of men returning from international duty.

And Darren Peacock and Damien Duff are two examples of players now back in contention after injury problems.

Steve Harkness's international clearance has now come through but he is not considered fit enough to be considered just yet.

Rovers seem likely to choose from: Filan, Grayson, Short, Dailly, Kenna, Dunn, Carsley, Wilcox, Ostenstad, Ward, Jansen, Gillespie, Gallacher, Johnson, Davidson, Peacock, Duff, Kelly.

Tranmere have two players suspended, defenders Clint Hill and Andy Thompson, as they start to pay the price for their awful disciplinary record.

Already this season, they have had three men sent off and 13 booked.

Manager John Aldridge may consider switching utility man Georges Santos, set to start a ban after tomorrow's game, to defence. Trialist Gareth Roberts could also be in line for a game. Tranmere have now completed the signing of Steve Yates from QPR after a loan spell.

Aldridge is expected to choose from: Achterberg, Allen, Yates, Challinor, Roberts, Santos, Henry, Grant, Allison, Kelly, Mahon, Parkinson, Black, Taylor, Frail, Murphy.

Kidd, meanwhile, is concerned about some of the younger international players, such as his own Damien Duff and Liverpool's Michael Owen, suffering from "burn-out" because of the excessive demands placed on them.

Rovers have just had a dozen players away on international duty and the manager feels the top clubs in particular will pay a heavy price unless the overall situation is improved.

"FIFA and UEFA have got to get their acts together," said Kidd. "I am looking at a couple of our players I would like to give a break if possible. Certain players will have their November legs in September. Players do need help and we are also being educated on the sports science side which I think is good for the game."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.