FORMER team-mates Craig Hignett and Darren Barnard used to be the best of buddies when they were at Barnsley together.

But the in-form Rovers midfielder stole his old pal's thunder 10 days ago with a late, late equaliser to cancel out Barnard's stunning opener in the original tie at Oakwell.

Now back at Ewood, the pair are sure to come under the spotlight again as the two clubs battle for the right to face Millwall in round four.

Hignett is currently enjoying something of a revival having found the net in each of his last three games.

And, with Keith Gillespie waiting in the wings for a possible return against Manchester United on Saturday, the 32-year-old knows another goal tonight would boost his own chances of appearing at Old Trafford.

However, Barnard won't want to be upstaged by his fellow wideman again. And, as he proved at Oakwell, he's more than capable of producing the spectacular when it matters.