BEANPOLE QPR striker Peter Crouch is hoping to cast his considerable shadow over Rovers promotion prospects at Loftus Road tomorrow.

The 6ft 5in frontman is eager to add to his 10-goal tally for the season as he looks to fire the goals to save Rangers from the drop.

But Rovers defender John Curtis is ready to meet the challenge head on even if he has to concede a major height advantage.

"I think I'll need my step ladders," said Curtis. "But it doesn't really bother me playing against big lads. I'd rather be playing against a big lump than a little, tricky player because they are far more difficult to handle."

Both sides are desperate for points for different reasons going into the clash. Yet, despite Rangers' lowly league position, the former Manchester United defender believes Rovers can expect another tough examination.

"QPR have got a lot of good players and a lot of experience as well," said Curtis. "It's always a difficult place to go, they are struggling a bit at the minute and we both need the points for different reasons. So that should make for a good game.

"I've only ever played there once or twice before but I've always enjoyed it. And I just hope that will be the case again."

Rovers promotion prospects suffered a slight set-back after Sheffield United held them to a 1-1 draw at Ewood on Wednesday night. But Curtis remains upbeat with just nine games to go.

"It was always going to be difficult after such a fantastic result on Sunday.It's hard to lift yourselves after a big game like that but, to be fair, I think we did that.

"In the first 20 minutes we were well on top and deservedly took the lead. But then we faltered a little bit and in the end I think a point was a fair result."

"It wasn't a disaster, though. We're back up to second with two games in hand so it's going to be tight."