MIDWEEK goal-hero Craig Hignett knows all about the magic of the FA Cup after reaching the final with Middlesbrough four seasons ago.

But the midfield schemer's thirst for further cup glory still remains unquenchable and he is desperate to add another famous cup scalp to his career tomorrow as Rovers attempt to pull off a giant-killing at Highbury in the last eight.

The 32-year-old has bitter-sweet memories of his one and only final appearance with Boro back in 1997.

It should have been the greatest day of his life -- stepping out at Wembley in the shadow of the famous twin towers with the eyes of the nation focused on his side's clash with Chelsea.

But what the fans didn't realise that day was morale in the Boro camp had been torn apart by the fragile egos of big-time Charlies like Fabrizio Ravanelli, resulting in an astonishing pre-match punch-up.

"I remember in the hotel before the game the lads were rolling around the floor kicking lumps out of each other," recalls Hignett.

"During the week leading up to the game players like Ravanelli and Emerson had been in the papers saying they were leaving because they would never play for a First Division club.

"So that jacked a lot of the lads off and they only needed to say one wrong word on the day and everyone was suddenly up for a ruck."

Those incredible scenes leading up to kick-off took the shine off Hignett's big day as Boro -- not surprisingly -- ended up losing 2-0.

But his affection for the famous old trophy remains untarnished and the prospect of a quarter final appearance against Arsene Wenger's classy Gunners

"It's a great game for us," said Hignett.

"If we've got intentions of playing in the Premier League next season then what better way to judge how far we've come than to play against one of the best teams in the Premier League, especially at their place.

"We know that if we play to what we are capable of, then we're going to give them a good game.

"But I also know that if they play anything like then it could be a tough 90 minutes for us.

"However, it's cup football and anything can happen. It's going to be a special atmosphere down there -- whatever happens -- and who knows what could happen on the day."

Hignett has endured something of a stop-start season so far after a freak Achilles injury left him on the outside looking in during the first three months following his £2.25 million move from Barnsley.

So Wednesday night's two-goal show against Bolton at Ewood felt all the sweeter for a man who scored 20 times last season to lead the Tykes to the play-offs.

But the chirpy Scouser is realistic enough to know that his midweek performance may still not be enough to guarantee him a starting place at Highbury.

"The squad we've got here is ridiculous," said Hignett.

"I was sat on the bench at Watford watching the game and sitting next to me was Eyal Berkovic, Mark Hughes, 'Tiny' Taylor and John Filan.

"So that speaks volumes about the squad that we've got here.

"We rested five players on Wednesday night but you saw what we still did to a team who are currently second in the League.

"So it all bodes well for the future of the club.

"I was just glad to get a game in the end although I ended up playing at right wing back.

"But I was pleased to score, particularly from open play, because the rest of my goals have come from set-pieces this season."

Rovers' win on Wednesday night now means they face a potential fixture pile-up during the promotion -- a situation Hignett has previous experience of at Middlesbrough.

But the former Crewe man believes Graeme Souness has the resources to cope, unlike his former Boro boss Bryan Robson.

"I'm not worried about any fixture problems personally because I've hardly played so the more games, the better for me," said Hignett.

"But, seriously, I experienced something like this when I was at Middlesbrough when we went all the way in both of the cups.

"We had seven or eight games to play in about 14 days and we ended up getting relegated.

"So I know the importance of a backlog and what it can do to you.

"But I think what we've got here that Middlesbrough didn't have is a really good squad and the manager can call on five or six players whenever he wants.

"And that's the main strength of this club -- our strength in depth.

"As we keep saying, our priority has got to be the League and, though a run in the cup is nice, we've got to make sure we are right for our League games.

"But that said, getting to a Cup final is an amazing experience.

"It's just a ridiculous day and it can sweep you away if you're not careful.

"All the attention, all the media hype and what it means to everyone, makes it a great day to be involved in."