CARDIFF City assistant manager Terry Burton believes Blackburn Rovers could be the victims of an FA Cup upset when the two sides meet at Ninian Park next month.

Sunday's third round draw paired the two clubs together in an intriguing tie and Cup fever is already sweeping through the Welsh capital as they prepare to welcome former national boss Mark Hughes back to the Principality.

"It's a good game, it's a good tie for everybody and obviously the Mark Hughes connection will add something to it," said Burton.

"What you always hope for is a home draw and the main thing is we've got that, so we've got to be pleased."

Cardiff are struggling in the Championship but in a one-off situation they fancy their chances of springing a surprise against a Rovers side who have found life tough themselves in the Premiership so far this season.

"Blackburn haven't had the greatest of starts and expectations will be high in both camps, that's the luck of the draw," said Burton.

"I'm sure Blackburn would have preferred a home draw and I'm sure they will be looking at it and thinking it's a tricky one.

"They'll be favourites, they've got all the Premiership players but it's a potential banana skin for them."

Hughes and his backroom team will need to do little homework in the build-up to the tie as many of the Cardiff players represented Wales during the Blackburn manager's time in charge of the national set-up.

Hughes is a confirmed admirer of Cardiff defender Danny Gabbidon, in particular, and the player has been heavily linked with a move to Rovers during the transfer window.

Cardiff, meanwhile, are hoping history will repeat itself as the match will come on the third anniversary of their stunning FA Cup upset against then Premiership leaders Leeds United.

The tie is to be played on the weekend of January 8/9.