BLACKBURN midfielder Brett Emerton is determined his side will shrug off the disappointment of being knocked out of one Cup competition - by going all the way in another.

The Australian international figured as a late substitute in Wednesday's controversial Carling Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

With boss Mark Hughes eager to rotate his squad as much as possible over the busy weeks ahead, Emerton is in line for a possible starting place in tomorrow's FA Cup fourth-round trip to West Ham.

Emerton said: "We were obviously disappointed to be knocked out of the Carling Cup but we feel we put in a good performance and we were a bit unfortunate in the end.

"Our season has really turned round since we had that comeback win against Charlton.

"Confidence is building, and Ewood Park is a really good place to be at the moment.

"It was so close but so far away in the Carling Cup - and now we have got another chance, because the manager keeps instilling in us how important it is for us to win something."

Emerton is desperate to force his way back into Hughes' plans after having to be content with a place on the bench in recent weeks, particularly as it's World Cup year and he's eager to impress Australia boss Guus Hiddink.

The Aussie added: "I just go out there and do the best I can and, hopefully, my performances will be good enough to get me in the World Cup squad."