Savage on bench as fans snub semi

Robbie Savage is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench at Cardiff tomorrow due to his lack of fitness.

The former Welsh international returned from a six-week lay-off with a groin injury when he played 70 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday.

But Garry Flitcroft, who required eight stitches in his left shin after Saturday's victory over Southampton, is fit to play.

Despite it being Rovers' first semi-final since 1960, their fans have turned their back on the event, with the club selling only half of their 30,000 ticket allocation.

Manager Mark Hughes said: "Obviously there are difficulties for the fans to get there, and what with the timing of the kickoff it's not been easy. I'm sure everybody who can get there and who can afford to get there, will enjoy the spectacle."

Hughes, whose side have suffered just one defeat in their past six matches, warned Arsene Wenger his Arsenal outfit will have to be at their peak if they are to deny Blackburn a place in the FA Cup final.

He said: "For us to be beaten, it's going to take a very good performance to do it. Arsenal will know that, particularly after playing us recently."