THE Premiership big guns are already preparing to roll out the red carpet for Blackburn and Fulham as they prepare to slug it out at the top of the First Division table tomorrow night.

Rovers moved three points clear of Bolton in the race for the second automatic promotion place with Saturday's win at Queens Park Rangers.

And it appears that Premiership bosses are already anticipating the threat Graeme Souness's men and Fulham will pose in the top-flight next season.

"The Premiership is going to be a lot stronger next year because Fulham and Blackburn are going up," insisted West Ham manager Harry Redknapp.

The Hammers look certain to stay clear of relegation danger despite their current poor run.

But whereas Manchester City and Bradford are both threatened with instant returns to the Nationwide League, Redknapp believes next season's relegation places won't be earmarked for the new boys.

"Both Blackburn and Fulham have got a lot of resources and strong squads already.

"It's going to be even harder to stay in this division next year because those two are going to be in the top half," he added.

Most neutrals believe Rovers are now set to follow Fulham up thanks to their inspired run of just one defeat in 21 games.

However, Rovers themselves will take nothing for granted as they prepare to take on the First Division leaders at Ewood Park in the first of eight more games that will decide their fate in a hectic end-of-season run-in.

"We've got a hard run because there's no easy games at this stage of the season, no matter who you play, because teams are always looking for points, whether it be for the play-offs or to avoid relegation," said wingman Keith Gillespie.

"So we know it's going to be difficult but the ball is in our court and we've got the squad capable of going out and winning every game we play in from now on.

"Let's just hope we can get the points we need to see us back in the Premiership. Easter is always a busy time. We play Fulham on Wednesday then we've got a game on Saturday and Monday.

"But you expect that at this time of the year. Everyone's got a similar amount of games, and we've just got to cram ours in, unfortunately."

Gillespie is enjoying his own personal revival and hopes to line up against Fulham having got through almost 70 minutes at Loftus Road.

"I had a bit of a bug during the week but I'm totally over that now, although I was a bit tired towards the end.

"I'm pleased with the way it's going -- it's just a case of keeping my head down and making sure I stay in the team," he added.