BLACKBURN Rovers Under-23 lead coach Damien Johnson insists his young side will treat this afternoon’s Premier League Cup derby with Burnley at Ewood Park (2pm) like any other game.

Johnson knows all about the rivalry that exists between the clubs at all levels having risen through the Rovers ranks in his playing days.

His assistant and fellow Academy graduate, David Dunn, was the man who broke Burnley hearts on more than one occasion.

While Blackburn-born players like captain Scott Wharton and winger Connor Mahoney will know just how important it is to beat the Clarets.

But Johnson said: “We’ve got a lot of local lads, none more so than Dunny, it’s Burnley, and the fact that it’s at Ewood is terrific for us because we really enjoy playing there.

“But we’ve got to approach it in the same way as any other game.

“It’s a big week for us, like a first-team week. We’ve got three games in a week, it’s a really quick turnaround, and ultimately it’s replicating what the lads would experience in the first team.”

Rovers won 3-2 at home to Wolves on Monday to move up to fifth in Division Two of the Premier League 2 and they will follow this afternoon’s Group B opener by travelling to League Two high flyers Carlisle United in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday.

Johnson said: “The frustrating thing about last season was that there were not enough games and there’d be months when there were only one or two games.

“The Premier League has recognised that and rather than this competition (Premier League Cup) being a straight knockout, it’s now group stages, which guarantees us six more games.

“Rather than going into the international break having two weeks off we’ve got a game. It’s not a bounce game at the training ground, it’s a proper game, it’s at Ewood Park, so it’s perfect for us.”

Unlike like last season, when Rovers beat Burnley 3-1 behind-closed-doors at Turf Moor to progress to the last 16 of the competition previously known as the Under-21 Premier League Cup, home fans will be able to watch the two group matches between the teams.

And Johnson said: “It’s great as it will allow people to come down and see the game.

“We want to put in a performance for them and if we do that then hopefully the result will take care of itself.”

Rovers season ticket holders will be admitted free of charge on production of their season ticket card at the turnstiles.

No tickets will be on sale before the match.

The reverse encounter between Rovers and Burnley takes place at Turf Moor on Monday, January 23.

Sunderland and Cardiff City are the other sides in Group B.