FEW players will be better supported than Alan Mahon when Rovers run out for the Worthington Cup final in Cardiff on Sunday.

For an avalanche of family and friends will make the pilgrimage from Ireland to cheer the former Tranmere ace on at the impressive Millennium Stadium.

And the chirpy 23-year-old is aiming to give his budding fan-club plenty to celebrate over a few pints of Guinness in the Welsh capital.

"I've got a ridiculous amount of family and friends coming over for this one so I'm sure they'll all but up for it," said Mahon.

"But I don't think I'll see too much of them because they'll all be the pub for most of the weekend.

"I'm sure they'll enjoy the whole occasion, though, as will the rest of the players' families.

"It should be a fabulous day and a great occasion and it's something we are all really looking forward to."

Manager Graeme Souness's midfield resources have been severely depleted due to the absence of suspended duo Garry Flitcroft and Tugay.

But one man's loss is another's gain and Mahon hopes to get the nod to partner David Dunn in the centre after slipping down the pecking order in recent weeks.

"It's unfortunate that Flitty and Tugay are both going to be missing but that might open the door for me to get a game which would be unbelievable.

"We haven't done that well in the league lately but everyone has been on a high this week and, hopefully, a good result on Sunday could turn out to be the turning point in our season.

"All it needs is one decent win and that could kick-start our league form.

"We've all got to stick together during this difficult time and make sure we don't listen to anyone else because, as long as we look after ourselves, then we should be alright."

For the time being at least, though, Mahon and his team-mates can put aside all thoughts of relegation and concentrate on the task of chasing Cup success.

And the Republic of Ireland international is anticipating a tough test against classy Spurs.

"Tottenham are a good side otherwise they wouldn't have got to the final so it should be a good game between two teams who like to try and play football.

"On the whole, though, it's just marvellous for the club to get to a final like this and it's great for the players, too, because a lot of us have never experienced anything like this before in our careers so it's important we make the most of it and enjoy for what it is."