DAVID Hamilton has yet to sample Wigan's stereotypical 'delicacy' - the pie barm.

But Wigan Athletic's chief scout can't wait to savour the mouth-watering offering of his club's Worthington Cup quater-final showdown with Blackburn Rovers.

For Hamilton, who has made Blackburn his home for the last 20 years after moving from the North East, has an association with both clubs and believes the derby has all the ingredients for a real pre-Christmas cracker.

"I think it will be a terrific night for football and for both sets of fans," said Hamilton, who signed for Wigan from Blackburn for £16,000 in 1986 after five years at Ewood Park.

"When you think about it, we're just three games away from the final. It's like the last three questions for Who Wants to be a Millionaire? You're so near to the jackpot but it's going to be so hard getting there.

"But I'm looking forward to the game immensely and, out of the four Premiership teams we've been drawn against, I think facing Blackburn Rovers will be the biggest test of the competition so far for us."

Hamilton returned to the Latics in July after a managerial shake-up at Rochdale meant he was sacked as the Spotland outfit's first team coach.

He is the first to admit he misses the hands-on approach to training and matchdays, but he has adapted well to his enforced career change and helped Second Division Wigan on their way to three Premiership scalps in previous round of the Worthington Cup.

"Myself and the other scouts do the reports on the opposition teams then tell manager Paul Jewell how they play, their formations, set plays, strengths and weaknesses and how they might play against us," he said.

"I had Blackburn watched at Bolton and I watched the reserves in case they do field a few squad players, so we've got plenty of information on them. And that's what we've done in the previous three ties. You just cover every avenue.

"But as soon as the last game before the tie is out of the way, my job's done and it's down to the players."

But Hamilton played down his role in Wigan's remarkable cup run.

"We don't need pats on the back because we're all in it together, as a team. I just play a small part in that," he said.

"It's all down to the players and how the manager and coaches get the best out of the them.

"They are the ones that take the credit.

"I watched Wigan's game against Manchester City and Fulham in the previous rounds and I thought they deserved to win both games.

"It wasn't a fluke, they played really well and deserved to win. Similarly with West Brom. It just shows how far the club has come.

"We haven't got a big squad compared to other teams, but we've got quality rather than quantity.

"Plus, we don't concede many goals, and you're always in with a chance in any competition if you don't concede goals."

The 42-year-old signed for Blackburn after completing his traineeship at Sunderland in 1981 and settled in the town, marrying Blackburn 'lass' Rita.

He also played cricket for Blackburn Northern until a couple of years ago.

But while his home is in Blackburn, his heart will be with Wigan tonight.

"I enjoyed playing for Blackburn and I have very good memories of my time there. They're still one of the first results I look for on a Saturday," said Hamilton, who scored the first goal in the Football League Cup under the sponsorship of Rumbelows for Burnley against Stockport.

"But my allegiances will definitely be with Wigan on the night. That's part and parcel of your professional job.

"Blackburn will be the biggest test for us because they are the holders and it's a way back into Europe for them next season.

"Graeme Souness' priority has been the league but the closer you get to a cup final you want to pool a bit more silverware and I'm sure he will want to retain the trophy."