FORMER Blackburn Rovers and Burnley goalkeeper Chris Pearce has hailed the Carabao Cup draw that has paired the East Lancashire rivals together as a 'great distraction' for both sides.

Both clubs will have their eye on league success this season, with Burnley seeking Premier League survival while Rovers are looking to escape League One at the first time of asking.

But they will face each other in the Carabao Cup second round after Thursday night's draw, with the game to be played at Ewood Park the week commencing August 21.

"What a draw, it's fantastic," said Pearce. "It's a massive game for both clubs, Rovers will want to try and get one over on Burnley now they're in the Premier League and it was the same when Rovers were in the Premier League.

"Hopefully it will be a full house, but I don't think they will play their strongest teams. I think they both have other priorities, Burnley want to stay in the Premier League again and Blackburn need to get promoted.

"Blackburn v Burnley is always one hell of a cup tie, it doesn't matter if it's the Youth Cup, the Women's FA Cup or this, it's always a big game."

Pearce began his career with Rovers before a five-year spell at Turf Moor and he has remained in East Lancashire after hanging up his gloves.

The former stopper thinks the fact that there is now two divisions between the clubs will add intrigue to the cup tie, and is hoping for a full house and a match to remember.

"The pressure is all on Burnley, Rovers can go out and enjoy it even more than Burnley can, they've got nothing to lose really, it's reverse roles from when Blackburn were always under pressure in these games," he added.

"It's a great distraction for both clubs from the league campaign, because both are under pressure in their leagues for different reasons. Rovers have to come back up this season and Burnley are looking to survive again.

"Hopefully it's a full house and both managers put out strong teams and we get a really good cup tie."