Sam Allardyce has told his Blackburn stars it is their "responsibility" to put in a professional display against Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup.Rovers take on the non-league side at Croft Park Monday night for the right to meet Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the fourth round of the competition later this month.

Honours have been shared so far between Blackburn and their Premier League rivals.

Sunderland won 2-1 at Ewood Park in November but were held to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day while Rovers won 2-1 in the Carling Cup.

Before Blackburn can contemplate a fourth meeting with Sunderland, however, they must first avoid slipping up on a potential banana skin.

Blyth were beaten 3-0 at Gateshead in their latest match on New Year's Day to remain second bottom of the Blue Square North table but, with victories over League Two clubs Shrewsbury and Bournemouth already, energies have clearly been focused on the cup.

"It's the third round of the FA Cup and it's always a big occasion for the smaller clubs," said Allardyce.

"It's my responsibility - and it's the players' responsibility - to go out with a very professional attitude to make sure that we get the result that we're looking for."

With Premier League survival his obvious priority in 2009, Allardyce is ready to gamble by resting several of his senior players for the trip to Blyth.

But he remains confident he has enough reserve strength to see off the part-timers and book a return trip to the North East.

"The right attitude is what I'm looking for," he said. "I will make some changes and select a side capable of beating the team we're playing against."

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