BLACKBURN Rovers defender Chris Samba has called on his team-mates to become more ruthless if they are to realise their European dreams.

The big defender was at fault for Dean Ashton's equaliser at Upton Park on Saturday as Rovers once again threw away a lead.

That led to Samba's heated exchange with midfielder David Dunn, which reportedly continued when the side went in for half-time.

And Samba admitted their inability to hold onto an advantage was a source of frustration throughout the whole squad.

He said: "It's frustrating. We began the game well and took the lead and we should have dealt better with the first goal.

"We have to learn when we take the lead how to close the game, making it game over.

"Normally when we take the lead, we usually win the game. We have to learn how to finish the game."

Fortunately for Mark Hughes' men, other results from the weekend went their way, with both European challengers Everton and Aston Villa also suffering defeats.

But Samba was under no illusion about the task in hand if Rovers are to qualify automatically for the UEFA Cup through their league position, or even clinch the Intertoto Cup place.

And the Congo international was desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend against Wigan.

He added: "It's still very close and we've got a big game coming up that's winnable. We've got to try to bring things together and get back to doing what we do best.

"Every game is going to be really important from now on.

"We want to win this game at home.

"Our form away from home has been better this season, but it's up to us to take the responsibility, get the crowd going and get the momentum we need to win the game."