GOAL-SCORING hero Gary Croft insists that Rovers will not buckle when they go into the Old Trafford cauldron for their top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester United on Sunday.

And the young defender, who grabbed his first goal for the club against Chelsea last weekend, believes it will be the champions who will be in for a tough time from a Rovers side who have yet to lose on their travels this season.

For while leaders United defend an unbeaten home record, Rovers' form away from Ewood Park has been equally as formidable - and Croft is relishing the battle of the giants.

He said: "Other teams have gone to Old Trafford and have buckled under the pressure but we will not do that. United have done very well, especially at home, but they have not come up against Blackburn Rovers yet. I know they will believe they are in for a tough time.

Only Chelsea have managed to take a point from United at Old Trafford where Alex Ferguson's side have only conceded four goals. But roving Rovers have only let in three goals away from home and have picked up good wins at Aston Villa, Wimbledon and Crystal Palace.

Croft added: "This is a massive game for us but we are confident we can get something at United. People have written us off for the championship but we are going about our business quietly and keep plodding on and that continues at United on Sunday." Rovers have been boosted by the news that Kevin Gallacher has signed an extension to his current contract to keep him at Ewood Park until the year 2000 - and he will make his 100th Rovers League appearance if he shakes of an Achilles injury he picked up against Chelsea last weekend.

With only two first class strikers to pick from, Roy Hodgson will be hoping his prize asset will pull through. But it underlines the problem Hodgson has in that department with Martin Dahlin still struggling with injury.

That is why he will be having a close look at Swedish striker Pascal Simpson who is expected to arrive at Ewood Park on Saturday for talks on a possible move.

Tor Pedersen is Rovers other main injury worry after picking up a knee injury last weekend. The Norwegian had an impressive game as stand-in for Colin Hendry and with the Scottish ace looking likely to miss the trip to Old Trafford, Pedersen's absence would be a major blow.

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