FORMER Blackburn favourite David Thompson has warned his new Portsmouth team-mates to expect a battle tomorrow when the two clubs meet at Fratton Park.

Thompson is one of four new faces likely to make their Pompey debuts against Rovers, and the injury-plagued midfielder knows from experience that Mark Hughes' side are ready to give them a baptism of fire.

"Blackburn reflect their manager in a lot of ways, in that they are tough," said the 28-year-old.

"But in Mark Hughes they also have a manager who is very forward-thinking.

"There's a lot of science that goes into their fitness programme, and it shows in their performances.

"They are one of the fittest teams in the league. The Pro-Zone stats will back that up.

"We're going to have to match them for that. It's down to us to dictate the pace of the game."

Thompson's move to Fratton Park was one of the more surprising transfers of the summer.

Released by Wigan on a free, the former Liverpool star looked all set for a move to West Brom until Pompey boss Harry Redknapp stepped in at the 11th hour and offered him the chance to stay in the Premiership.

Now Thompson is hoping to convince the Portsmouth public that was a shrewd piece of business, rather than a panic signing by a manager who has tried - and failed - to sign more than a team full of players this summer.

In the past, Thompson has found Fratton Park an intimidating place to play, but now he hopes it will feel more like a home from home as he looks to put three years of injury problems firmly behind him.

"It's going to be great to play in front of the supporters and have them on my side," said Thompson, who looks set to start on the bench tomorrow.

"There was great support last week against Porto, even though it was a friendly.

"I've played here a couple of times before and I know the atmosphere is intimidating.

"I've been slaughtered by them in the past - as long as they don't slaughter me now, I don't mind!"

As for Rovers, Thompson can't wait to face his old club for the first time since he left on a free for Wigan in January.

"They are one of my old sides and I have a lot of good memories of my time there.

"Blackburn are a strong, hard-working side. They are a superb club to play for and have some good people there.

"They're going to be right on their mettle tomorrow and we have to be ready for them.

"It's going to be a difficult game. But we want to get off to a good start - and it's important we do."