Republic of Ireland midfielder Damien Duff scored two goals for Blackburn as they romped to an easy 6-1 win against Rochdale in the Worthington Cup first round, second leg last night at Ewood Park.

Duff started and finished the scoring for Blackburn and even earned a penalty on the night. For his first goal he ghosted past two defenders and hit a snap shot which deflected off a defender and into the back of the net.

Rochdale hit back immediately but two spot kicks from Damien Dunn sent Rovers into an unassailable lead. Debutant Kaba Diawara added a fourth before Duff was pulled down the box for the third penalty of the night which Dunn slotted away for a hat-trick from the spot.

The best was saved until last as Rovers put together the best move of the game with Duff getting on the end of it to score.

Elsewhere, Matt Holland made his 172nd successive appearance for Ipswich despite being a doubt for the game with the ankle injury which kept him out of the Ireland game in Holland.

Ireland boss Mick McCarthy will be left scratching his head as to how Holland could play in the league game before the Ireland game and the one after but had to cry off for the Irish squad.

Holland looked to be suffering no ill effects from the injury as he gave his usual tenacious show for Ipswich at Filbert Street against Leicester.