Blackburn Rovers' Brett Emerton will line up against the side that tried to sign him at the Riverside today.

"There's no denying that there was an interest in me from Middlesbrough during the summer," said Emerton.

"But I always wanted to stay at Blackburn and I was more than happy to sign a four-year contract at the start of the season."

Rovers headed for the Riverside today looking to inflict further misery on a Boro side that crashed out of the Carling Cup at the hands of Notts County in midweek.

Emerton added: "Boro had a bad result in the Carling Cup against Notts County, so we know they will be keen to bounce back today.

"But we have had a couple of good results in the league now and it's important to build on that.

"We don't want to be anywhere near the relegation zone and after beating Manchester City last Sunday, another win today would lift us well clear."