FORMER Rovers winger Giorgos Donis is excited at the prospect of facing his old club in the UEFA Cup.

Donis - who starred for Rovers in the 1996/97 season - is the current boss of Greek outfit AE Larissa, who have drawn Rovers in the UEFA Cup first round.

"I am very happy to face a club that has helped me a lot in my career both as a player and coach," said Donis.

"I had that feeling, because I believe that our past always follows us in our lives.

"When I learned that Blackburn will be our opponents, I was moved thinking all those great moments I lived in Ewood Park.

"I am looking forward for the first match against Rovers. We all know that Blackburn is one of the biggest clubs in the Premiership and the chances are not by our side.

"Larissa FC is an upcoming team and we will try to do our best."

Larrisa qualified for the first round of the UEFA Cup courtesy of winning the 2006/07 Greek Cup for only the second time in their history.

Former Newcastle centre-back Nikolas Dabizas is currently Larissa's captain, while other players in their squad include ex-Everton striker Ibrahima Bakayoko, who joined the club earlier this week.

AEL, as they are often known, play home games at the Alkazer Stadium, which has a capacity of 13,000.

Larissa get their league campaign under way this weekend when they face Asteras Tripolis.

Ties are to be played on September 20 and October 4.