Allardyce wants derby points wrapped up

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is looking for an early birthday present in Sunday's Lancashire derby against Burnley.

Allardyce turns 55 on Monday and hopes he will have plenty to celebrate following the encounter with the Clarets at Ewood Park.

He said: "It would be a nice early birthday present for me if the lads can pull it off. For the fans we feel we have to win. We know the responsibility that lies on us."

Allardyce added: "I'm sure many Blackburn and Burnley fans work together and we want the Blackburn fans to go home as happy as they can be and looking forward to getting up and going to work on Monday morning and bumping into that Burnley fan, saying 'We've got one over on you'."

Allardyce, though, has warned his players to be aware of their responsibilities and keep the red mist at bay in the heat of the battle.

The events in last month's Manchester derby have focused the spotlight on player behaviour and the passions at Ewood Park are likely to be no less intense.

Allardyce said: "It's a huge responsibility, not only for the players but the fans and the officials.

"I will be emphasising to my players not to over-react which can happen with the adrenaline rush which comes in this particular derby.

"Sometimes the red light comes on, the red mist comes down and I hope that's not going to be any of our players on Sunday.

"I'm not trying to put any extra more pressure on the officials - Chris Foy and his assistants are very experienced so they will understand what it's about."