THE big derby atmosphere when Wanderers host Blackburn at the Reebok tonight is something to cherish, according Dougie Freedman, who hopes his players will rise to the occasion.

Victory tonight would be the Whites fourth in a row in the Championship and also complete a league double against Rovers – their first of the season.

But the Bolton manager concedes that while the team will prepare as normal, the special derby feel does add extra spice – particularly with Michael Appleton’s side keen to avenge the Whites’ 2-1 win at Ewood Park in November and go level on points with a victory.

Freedman said: “We prepare like any other game, but the derby atmosphere creates a different mindset for players.

“They need to be able to handle that atmosphere.

“We will prepare as well as ever and look at them. The lads have done really well paying attention to the details we have discussed in recent weeks. These players deserve credit for that.

“We will play similar to the way we have been playing because I think it suits us right now.

“Derby games bring an atmosphere that is good to play in for most players but it can catch one or two out if you are not fully committed to a derby match.

“You need the foot on the pedal straight away in these games.

“It does add spice to the game being a local affair.

“But the way we are playing right now, there is nothing we should fear.”