FORMER Blackburn Rovers midfielder Barry Ferguson insists his crisis-torn Blackpool side will know exactly what is required in tomorrow’s East Lancashire derby.

The freefalling Seasiders make the trip across the county to take on Rovers on the back of a shocking 12-game winless run which cost manager Paul Ince his job.

But Ferguson, who has been left to pick up the pieces since Ince’s sacking, will have them fired-up for the match.

He captained Rangers in many an Old Firm derby before moving to Rovers in August 2003 for £7.5m.

While he was unable to replicate the success he enjoyed at Ibrox he recalls his days at Ewood Park with great affection.

“I enjoyed my time at Blackburn,” said Ferguson, who moved back to Rangers in January 2005 after a 16-month spell at Rovers in which he suffered a fractured kneecap.

“I had a bad injury when I was there and people may look back and say I didn’t do well there but I was captain.

“I have very fond memories. Everyone at the club was good to me and I still keep in touch with a few people there.

“But that’s not my concern on Saturday – all I am interested in is getting three points with Blackpool.

“It’s a derby game and I love derby games.

“The boys know what’s expected on Saturday.”

Ferguson, who turns 36 on Sunday, has been one of Blackpool’s best players this season.

But since taking over as the club’s stand-in manager earlier this month, he has made the decision not to select himself.

Ferguson is still waiting to see if he will be named as Ince’s successor on a deal until the end of the campaign.

He said: “I’m not going to push the situation.

“I am not going to try to force their hand as the club have been good to give me this opportunity but on the other hand there’s a need to know.

“The fans need to know too. That’s the most important thing.

“The sooner it gets sorted the better.”

Ferguson will not be able to pick on-loan Rovers striker David Goodwillie tomorrow as the Scottish striker is ineligible to play.

Ferguson will also once again be without star winger Tom Ince.

Ince – accompanied by his sacked father Paul Ince – has been speaking to a number of teams around the UK.

But last night he was on the verge of signing for Crystal Palace on loan.

Ferguson, who will be boosted by the return of centre-back Gary MacKenzie from an ankle injury, is expected to be busy before the transfer window closes at 11pm.

He wants to make three additions to his paper-thin squad in time for the clash with Rovers.

His counterpart Gary Bowyer was also working to bolster his ranks yesterday.

The Rovers manager is set to be without midfielders Lee Williamson and Ben Marshall for the visit of the Seasiders.

That may mean a debut for France U21s international Bryan Dabo, who completed his loan move from Montpellier on Tuesday.