ON-LOAN midfielder David Bentley is backing Blackburn Rovers to pull off a shock victory when they make their last ever league visit to Highbury tomorrow.

Bentley, an England Under 21 international, reckons his adopted club are more than capable of springing a surprise against an Arsenal team still coming to terms with the loss of their inspirational leader, Patrick Vieira.

Rovers, buoyed by a run of six victories in nine outings, head for north London in confident mood, hoping to gain revenge for the 3-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Gunners in the FA Cup last season.

On that day, Arsene Wenger's men, spurred on by the indomitable fighting spirit of Vieira, emerged triumphant after standing up to Rovers' aggressive approach.

However, Bentley reckons they may find it more difficult this weekend, particularly without the imposing figure of Vieira to man the trenches in the

battle for midfield supremacy.

"It was always going to be a big loss to lose a player of Vieira's ability," said Bentley, who is on-loan to Rovers from the Gunners until the end of the season. and is not allowed to play due to new Premiership rules.

"He was the captain of the football club and the leader on the pitch, so his influence around the place was massive.

"When a big player like that moves on, it's always going to be difficult for the club to cope initially.

"They seem to be moving on now, but the young players who have come in need time to settle.

"Hopefully, we can go there and give a good account of ourselves.

"The lads are playing well at the moment and I know they are looking forward to this one."

Bentley would dearly love to be part of manager Mark Hughes' plans tomorrow, but, frustratingly, he's not allowed to line-up against the club he Is still contracted to.

Nevertheless, the 21-year-old will still be rooting for Rovers as he now feels part of the fabric of the club after adjusting to life in the North West following his move from Highbury in the summer.

"My form has been a bit in and out, but that was mainly because I was still settling in," said Bentley, reflecting on his recent performances.

"I feel I've done that now, though, and I'm a lot more relaxed here.

"I've enjoyed playing for Mark Hughes. He allows you to express yourself, but he also wants you to put the hard work in as well, which is what the boys have been doing and we've got the results our efforts have deserved.

"So things are moving in the right direction and we've now got to look to build on that."

Tomorrow's visit to Highbury is likely to be Rovers' last before Arsenal relocate to their new Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.

l Sunderland have signed Blackburn keeper Zak Jones on a three-month loan.

Elsewhere, former Rovers favourite, Jason Wilcox, has also agreed to join Blackpool from Leicester for a month.