BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has called on fans to 'pump up the volume' as Rovers look to bury their Ewood hoodoo against Portsmouth tomorrow.

Rovers go into the crucial six-pointer having failed to win a home game in the Premiership since November 29.

But Souness believes the club's supporters can play a vital role in bringing that four-month barren run to an end this weekend by roaring Rovers to a much-needed victory.

"Our fans have a big part to play tomorrow," said Souness.

"Their support is important to some players, very important to some, and absolutely vital to others.

"Some players can get away without being loved, others like to feel loved a bit, and others have to feel the crowd is right behind them all the time.

"And if ever there was a time to get behind the players then it's now.

"I know our fans have had a frustrating season so far but right now we need their support because they can make the difference.

"Look at Portsmouth's game against Southampton last week. Their fans won that game for them as much as the players did."

Those thoughts were also echoed by Rovers' skipper, Garry Flitcroft, who has urged fans to create a siege mentality at Ewood during the run-in.

"Our fans have been great this season. We haven't given them much to shout about but they've never got on our backs," said Flitcroft.

"Now this is when we really need them to keep believing in us.

"Our home form has been poor, we've given away some soft goals, and we've looked tense at times.

"But if the fans get behind us tomorrow then hopefully we can get the win we need.

"This is a massive game because if we beat Portsmouth then that will put them out of the picture."

With four points currently separating Rovers and Pompey in the table, Souness knows a home win would put some serious daylight between the two clubs at a crucial stage in the season.

"This is a six-pointer. We can't talk about the fact we've got nine games left, we've got to focus all our efforts into doing the business against Portsmouth," said the Rovers boss.

"It's a must-win game. We've got to get into the situation where we are not having to play all our remaining games under pressure.

"So this is a big, big game for us because it's a chance to put some space between ourselves and them.

"If we were to win then I'd like to think that means they won't finish above us.

"Seven points would be a big gap at this stage of the season and goal difference is also in our favour."

Tickets for tomorrow's showdown are still available and, as it's a Category C match, adult tickets start at just £15, with juniors in all areas except the Jack Walker Central, priced at £5.

"In an era when football is perceived as being expensive, our prices actually kick the trend," said a Rovers' spokesman.

"We are doing all we can to make it affordable, not by promotions but through consistent pricing."