Blackburn v Birmingham City:SAM ALLARDYCE has taken a swipe at Carlo Ancelotti for becoming the latest big-name coach to belittle his Blackburn side. Chelsea manager Ancelotti accused Blackburn of playing a long-ball game during the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Ewood Park, a result that damaged the Blues' title aspirations.

Allardyce appreciates such a tag has followed him around since his time at Bolton, and while insisting he can handle the criticism, he believes it is unfair his Blackburn players are tarnished with the same brush.

“The performance in the second half, irrespective of what Ancelotti said that we played long and all that rubbish again, shows we have another top coach who is unable and unwilling to give us the credit we deserved, which is a bit of a shame,” said Allardyce.

“Considering how many top players we had out, which was more than Chelsea, it was a fantastic result and a great performance in the second half with some really good football played.

“There’s no doubt I have this tag, but just because it has followed me – which as I’ve always said is a perception, not a reality anyway – it shouldn’t apply to my players.

“As always, when you’re one of the smaller clubs that gets a big result against one of the big boys, then you very rarely get the praise you deserve. Ancelotti is a big man in the world of football, but for me he has come down in my estimation after listening to his interview on Sunday.”

Blackburn face another typically hard-working side in Birmingham at Ewood Park tonight.

Victory will lift Rovers 14 points clear and virtually guarantee their survival in the top flight.

Allardyce, though, is again almost certain to be without goalkeeper Paul Robinson (calf), captain Ryan Nelsen (knee), Gael Givet (groin), Lars Jacobsen (hernia) and Vince Grella (calf).

Loan striker Franco di Santo is available after being ineligible to face parent club Chelsea, while midfielder David Dunn looks set to figure after coming off in that game with tightness in his calves.