Stoke City legend Denis Smith previews the Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park

NOW it's a question of who will earn their stars and stripes tomorrow after Uncle Sam strode into the Blackburn hot-seat.

Allardyce's appointment is the best Blackburn could have hoped for in their current predicament.

I don't think he can wave a magic wand in time to affect tomorrow's game in terms of style and tactics. But there's no doubt his presence will lift the Rovers lads in much the same way as any new boss can lift a struggling dressing room.

Of greater concern to me is the effect Big Sam's arrival will have on the Stoke lads.

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