ROVERS returned to winning ways on Sunday with victory over Derby County at Pride Park and Mark Hughes will want his team to march on with a result against Roy Keane's Sunderland this evening.

Rovers will be looking to start 2008 by picking up all three points and Roque Santa Cruz's return to form makes him one of the league's most in-form strikers.

The Paraguayan international scored eight goals in December, taking his total to 14 for the season. David Bentley has also impressed in recent matches - with his goal tally now standing at seven.

The visitors picked up three valuable points against Bolton on Saturday, with former Manchester United winger Kieran Richardson picking up his first goal of the season. The result keeps them just out of the relegation zone.

Rovers and Sunderland last met at the Stadium of Light in September's Premier League clash. The game finished 2-1 to Hughes' team, with goals from ... guess who ... Bentley and Santa Cruz.