GIORGOS Donis insists that his Larissa side still only have a 50/50 chance of progressing through to the group stages of the UEFA Cup.
Despite leading 2-0 from the first leg in Greece, the former Rovers winger believes that his side face a tough challenge at Ewood Park this Thursday evening, kick-off 8.00pm.
Donis returned to Ewood Park last night for the first time since he enjoyed an year-long spell in the 90s with the club as Larissa trained on the pitch ahead of the game, but insists there'll be no sentiment when his Larissa side face Rovers tonight.
"I repeat what I said after the first game, we have a 50/50 chance of overcoming Blackburn," said the Larissa boss once dubbed 'The Train' for his speedy wing play.
"This is a great challenge for my players, one which some of them may never get again in the future.
"We must strive to protect our 2-0 lead and, if possible, try and win the game outright as well. We must be concentrated and focused at all times, we will have to be strong defensively and, if possible, try and score a goal on the counter attack."
The Larissa boss believes that if they were to progress through to the next round of the UEFA Cup it would be a huge achievement for his side, against what Donis calls one of the great English sides.
"That would be a huge success for us. We know that the prestige of the loser would give honours to the winner.
"Of course, there is no comparison between Blackburn and Larissa because, on all levels, there is a huge gap. This means that it would be a great success for Larissa, and for Greek football, if we were to move on to the next round.
"We respect Blackburn a lot, we know they rely on a physical game, and we will have to put up with that and show that we can withstand it.
"This is a great test and it's up to us to respond to it."
Tickets are on sale right up until the 8.00pm kick-off, the club is expecting a large walk-up of fans on the night of the game, therefore fans are advised not to leave their ticket purchase until the last minute. The Darwen End ticket office will also be open from 6.00pm selling unreserved seating tickets for the Darwen End stand.
Fans are advised that the game is not live on television in the UK therefore Ewood Park is the only place to see the game, so come on down and show your support and cheer Rovers through.
Tickets for the match are priced at just £5 for Adult Season Ticket Holders, Seniors and Club 16-21 Members, whilst Juniors can see the game for just £1. Adult Non-Season Ticket Holders are priced at £10. Click here to book online now and collect from the Collection Point next to Sports World or call the ticket office on 0871 222 1444.
