THERE'S more than just one reason why victory in the Carling Cup at Fratton Park tonight is important for Blackburn Rovers.

Firstly, Rovers head to the south coast on the back of six successive wins and it's vital they keep that momentum going.

They are in such terrific form that a defeat at this point could disrupt that momentum. Mark Hughes will be desperate to avoid that happening.

And secondly, the Carling Cup provides a route back into Europe. Rovers are three matches away from a return to Wembley and a shot at qualifying for Europe again.

The only disappointment, in what has been an otherwise excellent season so far for Blackburn, was their early exit out of the UEFA Cup.

Nobody predicted they would crash out to Larissa. Hughes will be looking to get them straight back in Europe and the Carling Cup is an avenue to achieve that.

It's a tough game to call at Fratton Park. Portsmouth are also in terrific form this season and are very dangerous at home.

Harry Redknapp is a shrewd character. There's been some heavy investment made at Pompey and he's brought in some very good players.

Rovers are going to have to be careful, keep the door closed at the back and try and nick a goal or two.

Maybe Chris Samba will come up with another cracker. I still can't believe his goal at White Hart Lane on Sunday. It was unbelievable.

What a time to score, in the last minute of the game. By that time, Spurs didn't have time to recover. They were dead and buried.

It was a terrific result, but the only downside from Sunday was another injury to Robbie Savage.

It's a huge blow for Robbie, moreso because he's only recently come back from a bad leg break.

I've been in his position. It's a real kick in the teeth - but he's just got to get on with it.