CHRIS Sutton hopes to celebrate in style at Filbert Street tonight, as he plays his 100th full game for Blackburn Rovers against Leicester City.

And the £5 million striker won't need any reminding that it was against Leicester at Ewood in the early days of the 1994-95 title season that he scored his first Premiership goal for Rovers.

Sutton has been in spectacular scoring form this season, with eight goals from eight games, but stresses that it's more important for Rovers to win than for him to claim more personal glory.

"It's nice to think I will have played 100 games for the club. It's a good feeling, another milestone in my career and, hopefully, there will be plenty more to come," he said.

"But the main thing is to win the game. The Leeds result was bitterly disappointing. But we defended very well against Spurs.

"We have to go to Leicester and be positive.

"If we want to press for Europe we have to look at going there and getting three points. We need to get back to winning ways in the League.

"Leicester are no mugs, they are doing very well at the moment.

"But if we are aspiring to be the best, we have to make sure we are difficult to beat away from home, try to pick up a win if possible but certainly not lose the game."

Sutton seems likely to partner Martin Dahlin in attack, with Kevin Gallacher returning on the right - probably at the expense of Lars Bohinen.

Rovers choose from: Flowers, Valery, Hendry, Henchoz, Kenna, Bohinen, Sherwood, Flitcroft, Wilcox, Sutton, Dahlin, Gallacher, McKinlay, Croft, T Pedersen, Duff, Fettis.

Leicester have lost Steve Walsh and are expected to move Ian Marshall to defence with either Graham Fenton, Tony Cottee or Steve Claridge coming into the attack. According to today's national tabloids ex-Rover Fenton has been making uncomplimentary remarks about his former club and team-mates.

Phrases such as "Big-time Charlies" and "Moaning Minnies" are quoted and, if the present side have read them, manager Roy Hodgson won't need to worry about motivating his players.

Leicester will choose from: Keller, Kaamark, Prior, Elliott, Marshall, Guppy, Izzet, Lennon, Parker, Heskey, Cottee, Claridge, Fenton, Campbell, Savage, Andrews.

Meanwhile, Rovers won't take any undue risks with Stuart Ripley's fitness, even though they are willing to help Glenn Hoddle if the winger is wanted for the Italy game.

Ripley too is still undecided as to just how close he is to fitness.

If Hoddle definitely wants him, then there's a chance he will return to action next week.

But, as Hodgson explained: "It all depends on how Glenn Hoddle sees his needs and views the situation.

"After the game against Wimbledon we have two weeks without a game and if there's no chance of Ripley being considered the chances are we will not push him back that early."

Long-term injury victim Chris Coleman could play for the reserves against Stoke City at Ewood tomorrow night (kick-off 7pm), almost 12 months to the day since he ruptured an Achilles tendon at Coventry.

Seats for tonight's game will be available on the turnstiles but concessions will not apply.

Remaining tickets for next Tuesday's Coca-Cola Cup second round, second leg tie at Preston went on open sale today. It's terracing only for Rovers fans, price £9 (£5-50 concessions).

Two goals from Gary Hamilton saw Rovers B team to a 2-1 win at Liverpool yesterday.

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