Boss Sam Allardyce admits he doesn't know much about next Monday's FA Cup 3rd round opponents Blyth Spartans, but will use the next few days to acquaint themselves.

The Blue Square North side are in action later this afternoon when they take on local league rivals Gateshead and assistant manager Neil McDonald will take in the game.

"I don't know a great deal about Blyth at the moment because we haven't studied them in great detail yet," admitted the Rovers manager.

"They've got a game on New Years Day and we'll have that watched. In fact I think Neil McDonald my assistant is going to watch that, so when he comes back from there we'll have a good indication of what Blyth are like and how they play.

"I suppose there is the opportunity that their manager will rest some of their key players to save them for Monday. But we'll be looking forward to it and hopefully we'll get the right professional attitude, the right performance and the right result."

Tickets for the game at Croft Park are on open sale on Friday at the Ewood Park ticket office. Prices are £20 for Adults and £10 for concessions.