WELL, we're out of the Carling Cup but Rovers should feel proud of their efforts.

I think they will feel they were a little bit unlucky on Wednesday night and the referee had a lot to do with the result.

I thought Graham Poll had a poor game. The penalty he gave United was a shocker and when he had set that standard, Rovers should have had one at the other end. But opposition teams, it seems, don't get penalties at Old Trafford.

Saying that, though, two mistakes handed United their goals and that was a bit disappointing.

But Mark Hughes willl have them up and ready for the FA Cup, fourth round match against West Ham on Saturday.

Nevermind losing on Wednesday Rovers are still one of the form teams in the division and should fear no-one.

West Ham are a good side, especially playing at home, and Alan Pardew has done a great job there. But the Hammers are one of the those clubs who demand instant success and Pardew has had to endure some bad times.

They've just splashed out £7million on Dean Ashton, which is a big risk in my book, but that's just the area Rovers need to look at.

It was very noticeable the other night just how toothless we were up front without Craig Bellamy and Paul Dickov.

Shefki Kuqi could get you a goal if you stick it in the box but David Bentley and Morten Gamst Pedersen aren't natural front players so Mark needs to make a move before the window shuts.

But his troubles are threefold. Time is running out, his finances are limited and there aren't many natural goal-getters available.

Rob Earnshaw at West Brom is one name that springs to mind, but I think he may just try and get a loan-signing in and keep his money for the summer.