Sam Allardyce believes there is still plenty to play for despite Rovers losing the 1st leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

James Milner's first half strike was the only goal of the game as Rovers struggled in the opening half, but their second half display gave the Rovers boss belief that they can go to Villa Park and cause an upset.



"The first half we looked nervous and frightened that we were playing in a semi-final," Sam told Radio Rovers after the game.

"Unfortunately we fell for the sucker punch, letting them break out from the edge of their own box from our free-kick.

"We did a lot of work on that, but unfortunately for us it told and a beautiful pass to Milner was put away really well.

"It was poor from our point of view in the first half, but that was the only difference between the two sides.

"In the second we didn't look anything like the same side, we came out and played with the spirit and the ability and the skill that we expected and we made life very difficult for Villa, we put them on the rack and we had the chances to score, but didn't unfortunately.

"But for some bizarre reason, we just can't get the goals. I don't know what poor Niko has to do. He's headed against the post and then his first time shot looks like it is going in but it hits the post and comes out.

"So when you get those spells you have to score, but it wasn't to be.

"We still have a great shout, but we should have made it 1-1, but we still have a great opportunity and if we play like we did in the second half then we have a chance."

Allardyce was disappointed that it took 45 minutes for Rovers to hit their stride, something they can't afford to do in six days time when the two sides meet in the second leg.

"We've got to have a ninety minute performance at Villa Park.

"If we get that and a little bit more quality and a little bit more luck who knows."