DESPITE a night where there were plenty of positives, Sam Allardyce now has the task of ensuring that the players bounce back quickly after the heartache of missing out on a Wembley final.

The fourteen Rovers players involved in the 6-4 defeat at Villa Park gave their all, and the disappointment was there for all to see when the final whistle blew.

Now boss Sam Allardyce has to make sure that the players quickly focus on next Wednesday's Barclays Premier League match against Wigan Athletic at Ewood Park and not to dwell on the disappointment of defeat.

"The problem we have now is to ensure that the lads overcome this disappointment and not to let it linger," said the Rovers boss.

"We are all bitterly disappointed with the way it has happened, if you lose a game and it is your fault then you can accept it.

"When you lose a game through the incapacity of others to do their job correctly then you get very very disappointed when it is a Wembley final at stake.

"The lads did well and the size of the game brought the best out of them, I'm really pleased about that.

"It shows they can handle the pressure, it shows they can handle the big occasion and get the best out of themselves.

"But unfortunately we didn't have the officials who could do that."

Tickets for Rovers' home game against Wigan Athletic are on open sale. Prices from £17 for Adults, £12 Seniors/Club 16-21 Members and £7 for Juniors. Alternatively see the Wigan game and the Hull City game in the WEC Group Darwen End for just £20. For futher details visit www.onerovers.co.uk