DUST off your route maps and clear a space in your diaries because the signs are Blackburn Rovers could be heading back to Cardiff!

Last night's impressive 2-0 victory over Paul Jewell's giant-killers has put the holders within touching distance of a triumphant return to the Millennium Stadium.

And who'd bet against Graeme Souness's side lifting the trophy again with Andy Cole in the kind of mood to suggest he wants to add another winner's medal to his already bulging collection.

Some Premiership managers have chosen to treat the competition with disdain once again this season but for clubs like Rovers the Worthington Cup represents their best chance of a passport into Europe.

Who can forget those joyous scenes in the Welsh capital back in February when a brilliantly executed finish from Cole secured a 2-1 victory over Spurs?

That was Rovers' first major knockout triumph since 1929 and to do it again in March would surpass all expectations.

Of course it's not going to be easy with a two-legged clash against either Manchester United or Liverpool possibly lying in wait in the semi-finals.

But, with those two clubs currently pre-occupied by the battle for silverware at the top of the Premiership and in Europe, Rovers are handily placed to take full advantage.

In the likes of Cole, Dwight Yorke, Damien Duff and Brad Friedel, Rovers certainly have the players for the big occasion so why can't history repeat itself again?

No-one would love to get to Cardiff more than Craig Short, Garry Flitcroft and Stig Bjornebye.

Short and Flitcroft were gutted to miss last season's final through suspension while Bjornebye would like nothing more than to cap his brave return from injury with another final appearance.

All three men are model pros in terms of their attitude and approach to the game and their collective experience will be vital when it comes to the semi-finals.

In the meantime, Rovers have the small matter of two Premiership encounters with United and Liverpool to contend with.

Saturday's defeat at Everton was undoubtedly a major disappointment.

But Rovers need to put their recent league form behind them and concentrate on putting some points on the board in order to avoid a potentially tricky second half to the season.

With Cole back in form, anything is possible.