FORMER Blackburn favourite Simon Barker has warned Rovers they must find way of stopping Les Ferdinand or face the prospect of Worthington Cup heartbreak.

The build-up to Sunday's final with Tottenham Hotspur in Cardiff began in earnest last night as Barker and his former team-mates, Ian Miller and Alan Ainscow, took part in a special question and answer session organised by Worthingtons at Ewood.

And the former QPR midfielder was quick to identify his old Loftus Road buddy Ferdinand as the man who poses the biggest threat to Rovers' Cup dreams.

"I've been lucky enough to play with quite a few good players in my time but a young Les Ferdinand at QPR was definitely one of the best," said Barker.

"He was an awesome figure at that time in his career and I still rate him very highly now so Rovers need to keep a close eye on him on Sunday.

"When we played together at Rangers I thought he was even better than Alan Shearer on his day.

"The only thing he didn't have which Alan had was belief.

"But, in terms of natural ability, I believe he outstripped Alan in most departments.

"He had everything you'd want from a top-class striker -- pace, power, strength and an amazing leap.

"He could go past defenders as if they weren't there but he could also come short and hold the ball up with his back to goal.

"So he was an awesome player and he can still destroy a defence even now."

The last time Rovers tasted Cup success, Barker was crowned man-of-the-match in their Full Members' Cup triumph over Charlton back in 1987.

On Sunday, Graeme Souness's class of 2002 have the opportunity to emulate those achievements.

And Barker believes the outcome of the game at the Millennium Stadium could have a major bearing on the club's whole season.

"I feel a bit of depression around the club at the minute in regard to the fact the team have dropped into the bottom three over the last couple of weeks," said Barker.

"But the fact that they've reached a major Cup final is a major boost and a massive filip.

"Everyone can forget about the problems they are experiencing in the Premier League at the moment and just enjoy the final for what it is and, hopefully, get that win.

"And if they could lift the Cup it would then give everyone a lift and that belief in yourself that you are winners.

"Hopefully, they can then take that into the league and show that they do have what it takes to stay up.

"But the one thing they can't afford to do is lose with a whimper and then go into the Bolton game feeling down.

"I don't personally think that will happen because this is too big an occasion for that.

"As a player this is why you play the game to test yourself at the highest level.

"And to play in front of a capacity crowd at the Millennium Stadium is what it's all about.

"That's why players plough through pre-season in the hope that they are lucky enough to experience moments like this."

Barker certainly knows what the thrill of tasting Cup success feels like after he was one of the heroes of that Full Members' Cup triumph.

However, when pressed to identify Rovers' key man on Sunday, he stressed it could be one of a number of candidates.

"To be honest, it will probably be someone you don't expect," said Barker.

"It might Brad Friedel who keeps them in it like Vince O'Keefe did for us in 1987.

"Or it might be a winger who goes past a full-back and puts over a cross like Ian Miller did in the Full Members Cup.

"Or it could even be the goalscorer, like Colin Hendry was for us.

"But if Rovers want to win on the day then they'll need 11 heroes out there."