BLACKBURN Rovers have booked their last eight spot in the Carling Cup after beating Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.

Rovers boss Paul Ince made seven changes - handing a first-team debut to Andrew Haworth - and the visitors were on the back foot for most of the first-half.

But Blackburn took the lead on 64 minutes when Roque Santa Cruz - coming on as a second-half substitute for Haworth - headed home from close range.

Rovers doubled their advantage five mintues later when Black Cats defender Phil Bardsley converted into his own net.

But, within two minutes, Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones found the bottom corner to ensure a nerve-jangling finish.

However, Ince's men held out to make the competition's quarter-final draw.