Michael Appleton: 'Blackburn Rovers are ready for Arsenal FA Cup clash'

Blackburn Rovers boss Michael Appleton feels that his side's 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion was great preparation for their FA Cup tie with Arsenal.

Defender Scott Dann gave Rovers the lead before they were pegged back in the second half by a Vicente penalty as the game ended all square.

"It's an ideal warm-up. We'll have to concede a lot of territory against Arsenal but we want to be part of an attractive tie," said Appleton.

"Our quality was not a good as when we played Ipswich last Saturday but, as the away side, we're bound to be a lot happier with the result than Brighton."

Blackburn are currently eighth in the Championship, six points adrift of the playoff places.