FORMER Blackburn Rovers legend Dave Whelan says he will be one of the first in the queue for tickets should Graeme Souness' side reach the Worthington Cup Final for the second successive season.

The Wigan Athletic chairman, who ended his playing career at Ewood Park after breaking his leg in the 1960 FA Cup final, was disappointed to see his side fail to add a fourth Premiership scalp to their Worthington Cup tally.

"While I don't enjoy losing, Blackburn were the better team on the night," said Whelan after last night's quarter-final showdown at the JJB Stadium.

"I went in to see Graeme Souness after the game and wished him and the team all the best. I hope they go on and win it again.

"And if they do get to the final, I'll definitely be there."

Whelan paid tribute to two-goal hero Andy Cole and his strike partner Dwight Yorke for their part in the Latics exit from the competition.

"When you're talking about wage bills of something like £30 million against £3 million, there is a little bit of difference in quality and class," he said.