MORTEN Gamst Pedersen was assured his place in Blackburn Rovers legend when he deepened bitter rivals Burnley’s derby gloom in his debut season at Ewood Park.

His 86th-minute replay winner, which turned out to be the club’s goal of the season, broke Claret hearts as Rovers progressed into the sixth round of the FA Cup in 2005 – stretching their neighbours’ derby misery to more than 25 years.

Rovers and Burnley prepare to meet each other for the first time since in two Premier League encounters this season, in October at Ewood and at Turf Moor in March, with East Lancashire pride hanging firmly in the balance.

Burnley haven’t beaten their old enemy since a victory in the old Second Division in 1978 and, as they prepare for their first league meeting since 2001, Pedersen believes the Premier League will be in for a shock.

Pedersen said: “I played in the cup and scored the winner. I probably won’t be the most popular player over there – but saying that I’m not sure any of us will be.

“I am looking forward to it. It will probably be one of the biggest games for us. I know it is definitely one the fans will be looking forward to and desperate to win. You get Liverpool v Everton, Manchester United v Manchester City and derbies like that. Everyone knows how big they are but perhaps people don’t know how big this derby is.

“Burnley and Blackburn have never played each other in the Premier League and I think people will be surprised by the passion surrounding it.”

Already being tipped to be the whipping boys next season, Burnley know they have a big task ahead of them as they prepare for the first season in the Premier League But Pedersen insists it would be foolish to write Owen Coyle’s men off, claiming they have as good as chance as most of retaining top flight status.

“People say that we will be intimidated by going to Turf Moor,” said Pedersen. “I don’t think we will but it isn’t just about that. They are good footballers, that is why they are in the Premier League.

“You only have good football teams in the Premier League. You wouldn’t be there if you couldn’t play football and they deserve to be where they are because of what they did last season.

“It is definitely not going to be easy, no game is going to be easy. Definitely at the start. Everyone can beat everyone and we are looking forward to the season.

“Last time the derby was almost full crowded even when we went out for the warm up. I am sure the fans can’t wait and it is something for all the players to look forward to as well.”

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is taking a new-look side into the campaign, with old faces like Roque Santa Cruz, Andre Ooijer, Tugay, Aaron Mokoena and Matt Derbyshire all now departed.

But, with a host of new faces brought in to freshen things up this campaign, Pedersen is confident Rovers are better equipped this time round.

After a season of struggles against relegation last time round, the Norwegian midfielder is insistent better times are just around the corner – starting with Saturday’s season opener against Manchester City.

He said: “We have a big squad now, bigger than last year and that competition is very important in the Premier League.

“Last year we picked up a few injuries and we were left very short at times. The manager has looked at that and I believe we are looking stronger at the moment.

“Players are going to have make sure they stay sharp and stay working hard or else they will lose their place in the team.

“I think that is good for everyone.”