GOALKEEPER Paul Robinson believes Sunday's 2-0 victory over Fulham was the perfect preparation for Rovers' semi-final showdown with Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

The England goalkeeper more than played his part as Sam Allardyce's side ended a run of nine league games without a win.

And Robbo hopes Rovers can take that confidence boost into their second leg at Villa Park, as they aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

"I think the result, getting the win, will help us massively," he said.

"It has been a long time in coming. We've played very indifferently over the last few weeks, we've drawn games we should have won and lost games we should have drawn.

"But the win will give us massive confidence and to take that into such a massive game is a big boost."

Tickets for the match go off sale on Wednesday at Ewood Park at 2pm and 12 noon in The Mall, Tickets are on sale at Villa Park from the Doug Ellis Ticket Office.