John Eustace has called for cool heads as but insists Blackburn Rovers know the importance of Saturday's East Lancs derby with Burnley.

Rovers travel to Turf Moor having lost both their meetings with the Clarets in the 2022/23 season under Jon Dahl Tomasson. Their record under the Dane against Burnley and Preston North End was far from sparkling.

Eustace says the group have spent time talking about the magnitude of the fixture this week. But the message has also been reiterated that they must stick to their game plan and not be drawn in by the occasion.

At the same time, he wants to see passion and spirit from his side, particularly in the tough moments that will inevitable come.

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"I think the most important thing is to go there and be competitive, it's not about me," Eusatace said.

"The team we have is a great group of characters. We have a good togetherness and it's important we go there and we're competitive.

"If we do that, we'll have a chance. We've had a good discussion about the game today and those that have played will be influential to those that haven't.

"We know what the occasion means and we'll give it our all. The lads understand the importance of the game, as do all the staff.

"We have a lot of local lads, Travis is back. People know what's needed and required in these derbies. We have the same processes but also knowing that when people go into that environment, they do that on the field and don't get carried away with the occasion. 

"Keep your concentration and see the game plan through. The atmosphere and the pressure of going against a derby team away from is key.

"You have to see yourself through difficult spells and impose yourself with what we do, with and without the ball. The key is composure and looking after yourself."

Burnley have undergone major squad surgery in the last week. There has been an exodus of players but also a few new arrivals, at the same time.

Their squad remains littered with Premier League talent and Eustace doesn't believe the last week will hold much weight on Saturday.

"They're two of the biggest games of the season, home and away," he said.

They have a fantastic squad but we're ready for the challenge. They have a good manager but we'll go there and enjoy the occasion. We'll fight for everything and we want a positive result.

"It gets the hairs stood on my neck, it's about the bragging rights and that's the beauty of any derby. The two sets of fans aren't too keen on each other. It'll be a tough test, they have a lot of Premier League experience, but we're looking forward to it.

"The transfers don't make a difference, they have a brilliant group of players. They have signed Hannibal (who Eustace had at Birmingham) for £9million.

"They have an unbelievable amount of talent to chose from, I don't think any of that noise makes a difference."