CRAIG Hignett used to be a firm favourite with Middlesbrough fans during his time in the North East.

Under the watchful eye of first Lennie Lawrence and then Bryan Robson, the 31-year-old former Crewe star led the Riversiders to two promotions and three cup finals during the most topsy-turvy period in the club's 126-year history.

It was arguably the happiest time of his career so far and, even now, he still keeps in contact with some of his old team-mates.

But, as he prepares to face his old club tonight for the first time since he left four years ago, he only has one thought on his mind -- to take Rovers a step closer to Cardiff!

"I'm very excited about tonight because this could be the first time I've played against them in a competitive game since I left four years ago," said Hignett.

"I still keep in touch with quite a few of the lads who were there when I was, like Robbie Mustoe and Steve Vickers.

"So I've still got a lot of friends there and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

"The time I spent up there was unbelievable.

"I really loved the club and I didn't want to leave when I did.

"As things have worked out, though, it was probably best for me that I did.

"But now I'm a Blackburn player and I've got to concentrate on doing my best for them."

The Worthington Cup might not figure too highly on the priority lists of Champions League contenders like Manchester United.

But for the rest of the Premiership, the competition still represents their most realistic passport into Europe.

And for fringe players such as Hignett in particular, it provides a rare chance for him to impress manager Graeme Souness.

"I think for the clubs involved in Europe they've got bigger and better things to think about.

"But, for clubs whose only realistic chance of cup success is either this or the FA Cup, I think they should go for it.

"It's a good day out and I'm sure the fans would love a trip to Cardiff.

"But for the players as well, to be involved in a cup final -- no matter what the competition -- it a fantastic buzz.

"We're more than equipped to go all the way.

"Birmingham got to the final last year and we beat them comfortably at their place.

"I think we're probably at a similar stage as Middlesbrough were when I got to the final with them.

"So, as long as the big boys stay out of your way, then you've always got a chance.

"On a personal level, it's a bit frustrating that I'm not playing at the moment because you want to play in every game.

"But it's the manager who picks the team and if he isn't picking me then he'll have a good reason for that.

"So this is a good chance for all the fringe players to try and change his mind by playing well if we get the chance."

Middlesbrough could prove a tough nut to crack, however, despite their indifferent start under McClaren.

After Terry Venables saved them from the drop last season, Alex Ferguson's former number two has splashed out on reinforcements, drafting in Jonathan Greening and Mark Wilson from Old Trafford as well as Gareth Southgate from Aston Villa.

And Hignett believes they could become a real force once their new boss finds his feet.

"Of the players I've spoken to, they're all saying good things about Steve McClaren," said Hignett.

"As a coach, he's fantastic -- I just think they are struggling a bit with their system at the minute, in terms of the fact they don't really know what they are best starting with.

"But once he gets that sorted, I'm sure he'll do well for them."

"Obviously, I think Alen Boksic is the man to watch. If he's fit, he's a fantastic player.

"But the guys at the back, Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate, are also important to them as is Paul Ince in midfield.

"So they've got a solid spine to the team in front of Mark Schwarzer who's also a very, very good keeper."

CRAIG Hignett used to be a firm favourite with Middlesbrough fans during his time in the North East.

Under the watchful eye of first Lennie Lawrence and then Bryan Robson, the 31-year-old former Crewe star led the Riversiders to two promotions and three cup finals during the most topsy-turvy period in the club's 126-year history.

It was arguably the happiest time of his career so far and, even now, he still keeps in contact with some of his old team-mates.

But, as he prepares to face his old club tonight for the first time since he left four years ago, he only has one thought on his mind -- to take Rovers a step closer to Cardiff!

"I'm very excited about tonight because this could be the first time I've played against them in a competitive game since I left four years ago," said Hignett.

"I still keep in touch with quite a few of the lads who were there when I was, like Robbie Mustoe.

"So I've still got a lot of friends there and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

"The time I spent up there was unbelievable.

"I really loved the club and I didn't want to leave when I did.

"As things have worked out, though, it was probably best for me that I did.

"But now I'm a Blackburn player and I've got to concentrate on doing my best for them."

The Worthington Cup might not figure too highly on the priority lists of Champions League contenders like Manchester United.

But for the rest of the Premiership, the competition still represents their most realistic passport into Europe.

And for fringe players such as Hignett in particular, it provides a rare chance for him to impress manager Graeme Souness.

"I think for the clubs involved in Europe they've got bigger and better things to think about.

"But, for clubs whose only realistic chance of cup success is either this or the FA Cup, I think they should go for it.

"It's a good day out and I'm sure the fans would love a trip to Cardiff.

"But for the players as well, to be involved in a cup final -- no matter what the competition -- it a fantastic buzz.

"We're more than equipped to go all the way.

"Birmingham got to the final last year and we beat them comfortably at their place.

"I think we're probably at a similar stage as Middlesbrough were when I got to the final with them.

"So, as long as the big boys stay out of your way, then you've always got a chance.

"On a personal level, it's a bit frustrating that I'm not playing at the moment because you want to play in every game.

"But it's the manager who picks the team and if he isn't picking me then he'll have a good reason for that.

"So this is a good chance for all the fringe players to try and change his mind by playing well if we get the chance."

Middlesbrough could prove a tough nut to crack, however, despite their indifferent start under McClaren.

After Terry Venables saved them from the drop last season, Alex Ferguson's former number two has splashed out on reinforcements, drafting in Jonathan Greening and Mark Wilson from Old Trafford as well as Gareth Southgate from Aston Villa.

And Hignett believes they could become a real force once their new boss finds his feet.

"Of the players I've spoken to, they're all saying good things about Steve McClaren," said Hignett.

"As a coach, he's fantastic -- I just think they are struggling a bit with their system at the minute, in terms of the fact they don't really know what they are best starting with.

"But once he gets that sorted, I'm sure he'll do well for them."