SUNDERLAND hero Kevin Ball won't be surprised if he is one of two villains on show at the Stadium Of Light tomorrow.
Former Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy is already assured of an afternoon of stick from Sunderland fans.
And the fact that he scored twice against them in Rovers' 2-0 win over the Wearsiders last month will only have increased their loathing of him.
But caretaker boss Ball remembers that there is no love lost either between Blackburn Rovers supporters and himself after his stint at Burnley towards the end of his career.
Ball was sent off in a derby between the two teams in 2000 after a shocking challenge on David Dunn which has gone down in Lancashire folklore.
Ball, who is looking to lead the Black Cats to their first home win of the season tomorrow, said: "I might not be Mr Popular with Blackburn fans but that won't bother me.
"I really enjoyed my stay at Burnley, and people still talk about that derby game.
"But all I am interested in is trying to get the home win that we are all desperate to see.
"As for Craig Bellamy, I can't comment on the fans' treatment of him, that's up to them - but we all know how dangerous a player he's capable of being."
Bellamy's double in Rovers' victory over Sunderland kick started a run of six goals in six games from the Welshman, who is currently spearheading the drive for Europe.
And according to left back Michael Gray, Bellamy is ready to inflict more misery on the north east following his sensational double in the 3-2 win over Middlesbrough last weekend.
Sunderland fan Gray, who makes his first return to his home town club since leaving them three years ago, said: "I'm certain when the team sheet goes up in the opposition dressing room and they see Craig's name, they then work to try to stop him.
"But a lot of teams are finding it hard to do that with the way he is playing.
"He causes havoc from start to finish, and it is a massive bonus to have him on our side.
"Over the last four or five matches he has been on fire, now he is getting a long, consistent run in the side.
"His confidence is growing every week and certainly with the goals he is scoring, there aren't many better than him around.
"I think if you ask any centre half or defender who they would least like to play against, Craig would be right up there with the best of them."
As for manager Mark Hughes, he feels the key for Bellamy is being the main attacking outlet in the side.
At previous club Newcastle, he was used more as a pacy foil for Alan Shearer but is now reveling in being the number one target man.
Hughes said: "Craig is enjoying being the focal point of the attack. He gets more of the ball and that's what he demands because he affects the game that way.
"So he is at the right club, he's enjoying his football and the day to day work and he's scoring goals. It's a good situation for everybody."
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