BRAD Friedel today vowed 'we can do it' as Blackburn Rovers psyche themselves up for a hat-trick of clashes against Manchester United during the next four weeks.

Last night's Worthington Cup draw paired the two old rivals together in a potentially explosive two-legged semi-final next month.

But before Rovers can switch their attentions to that, there's the small matter of a Premiership clash with Sir Alex Ferguson's men to contend with on Sunday, and Friedel is convinced his team-mates have what it takes to get a result.

"We always look forward to playing in games like this because we have some big-game players who'll relish the occasion, there's no doubt about it," said Friedel.

"United are the in-form team and arguably the biggest club in the world so we've got nothing to lose by going out there and giving it our all.

"We did well against them in the two games last season, but that was last season and this is now.

"So hopefully we can go out there and take something off them again.

"We've got some good players and good players can raise their games to different levels so, fingers crossed, let's hope we can do it again."

Given the recent history between the two clubs, there was already plenty of hype surrounding the build-up to Sunday's game.

But last night's draw has now added even greater spice with the clubs set to meet again in such a short space of time.

Last season, Rovers more than held their own when the two sides met in the league.

United needed a controversial equaliser from David Beckham to snatch a point following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the corresponding fixture at Ewood.

Then when the two sides met again at Old Trafford in January, Rovers looked on course for another point until Roy Keane grabbed a late winner to give United a fortunate 2-1 win.

Despite United's recent resurgence in the Premiership, Graeme Souness's Worthington Cup holders have every reason to be quietly confident going into the semi-final given the fact their unbeaten run in the competition dates back to October 2000.

They reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive season courtesy of a 2-0 win at Wigan on Tuesday night.

And Friedel admits the whole dressing room would relish the chance of a return to Cardiff.

"We've all got the same buzz we had this time last year," said the United States number one.

"Most of us didn't know what to expect at Cardiff last season but it was definitely a day to remember and I think we'd like to have another one of those.

"But first thing is first, we've got to try and get through another two games before we can start to think about that."

If Rovers are to triumph in their forthcoming battles with the Reds then United old boy Andy Cole could have a crucial role to play.

The former England striker masterminded the downfall of Wigan with two goals at the JJB Stadium.

And Friedel believes his team-mate is now over the injury problems which had affected his form earlier in the season.

"Andy's getting back on track with his goalscoring again, there's no doubt about that," said Friedel.

"He had a few injuries at the beginning of the season which meant he was in and out of the side.

"But he's stayed injury free for a few weeks now and his fitness is there and his sharpness is coming back, too."

The first leg of Rovers' Worthington Cup clash with United will take place at Old Trafford in the week commencing January 6.

The second leg at Ewood is then scheduled for the week commencing January 20.

The exact dates will be confirmed once discussions with Sky TV have been completed.