ROVERS have to win their last four League games if they are to stand any chance of sneaking into Europe.
And they must start at in-form Nottingham Forest on Saturday (April 13). That is the stark message from assistant manager Tony Parkes who knows his side face an uphill struggle if they are going to get the chance to mix with the cream of the continent.
"We're still in there with a fight," said a defiant Parkes. "Although we have to rely on other teams slipping up, we're not going to give up until it is mathematically impossible."
But it's going to be tough. Forest re-launched their own Euro bid with successive wins against Liverpool, Spurs and Leeds to take them up to eighth spot - one place and two points above Rovers.
He added: "Going to Forest will be hard. Put it this way, I don't think we are going to repeat the 7-0 win we beat them by at Ewood Park back in November."
Wimbledon and their ghetto blaster come to Ewood Park on Wednesday (April 17) night and Parkes said he is looking forward to their visit with mix feelings.
"They're safe from relegation now so they have nothing really to play for. But they are always a difficult side and are a noisy lot. After all they are the Crazy Gang."
New boy Garry Flitcroft, who picked up his 12th booking of the season against Newcastle, could be in line for a hefty ban.
The £3m signing from Manchester City will serve a three-match suspension, starting on Saturday, for being sent off on his debut against Everton. But that could be extended for topping 45 points for the season when he is expected to be hauled before an FA disciplinary committee.
Lars Bohinen could be in line for a comeback against Wimbledon on Wednesday but will definitely miss Saturday's trip to his former club Forest. Remaining fixtures Sat, April 13: Nottm Forest (a)
Wed, April 17: Wimbledon (h)
Sat, April 27: Arsenal (h)
Sat, May 4: Chelsea (a)
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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