BLACKBURN midfielder Brett Emerton has described Saturday's crucial six-pointer with Portsmouth as a 'must-win' game for Rovers.

With four points currently separating the two sides in the Premier League table, Emerton knows Rovers can strike a major psychological blow by claiming maximum points at the weekend.

But the tough-tackling Aussie also views the clash as an opportunity for Rovers to bury their Ewood hoodoo after four months without a win on home soil.

"Saturday's game is a crucial one for us. I think it's a must-win game," said Emerton.

"If we can get the three points then we'll be on a little bit of a roll, confidence will be high and we should be able to kick on from there.

"We all know our home form hasn't been the best but all we can do is keep going out there and giving it our best.

"We'd like to win our home games, play some good football, and give the fans something exciting to watch because we all want to win for them as much as ourselves.

"But we haven't done that for a long time at Ewood and that creates that little bit of extra pressure."

Rovers' last victory at Ewood came against Tottenham Hotspur on November 29 and of the seven home games since then, they have lost four and drawn three.

However, Saturday's 2-0 victory on the road at Aston Villa means Graeme Souness's side will still go into the Portsmouth game on a high.

"It was a great performance at Aston Villa and there wasn't one player in the side who didn't give less than 110 per cent," said Emerton.

"If we can keep that going in the coming weeks then I'm sure there'll be many more victories to come and we won't be anywhere near the relegation zone come the end of the season."

Those thoughts were also echoed by in-form striker Jonathan Stead, who grabbed his third goal in four games at Villa Park.

He said: "The three points against Aston Villa was a massive boost for us so hopefully we can now kick on from here."

Meanwhile, Rovers keeper Brad Friedel has been recalled to the USA international side for the first time in 21 months.

Friedel has been selected for the international friendly against Poland next week.

In the meantime, reserve team midfielder Gary Harkins joined Huddersfield on a one month loan yesterday.

And Blackpool are hoping to snap-up Ciaran Donnelly on a similar basis.

Michael Taylor is also thought to be a target for Kidderminster Harriers but they would have to push through a deal before today's Nationwide League transfer deadline.

Rovers U17s beat Manchester City 3-0 at Brockhall yesterday. Zaki Misbah grabbed a brace with Joel Byrom scoring the other. Joe Garner was sent off for handball.

Rovers are offering discount tickets for Saturday's match against Portsmouth, with children's prices at £5, and adult tickets starting from £15.