NO FEAR: Scott Loach believes it is a good time to be playing big-spending Blackburn

Ipswich v Blackburn: Scott Loach believes the opening day of the new season is the ideal time to be playing troubled Blackburn Rovers.

The new Blues number one will make his Championship debut for Ipswich tomorrow against a side many are tipping for an instant return to the Premier League.

But those close to Rovers have admitted that the unrest that dominated much of last season’s doomed campaign remains on the surface.

Manager Steve Kean’s job remains far from safe after Blackburn’s global advisor Shebby Singh openly admitted he would be sacked if he lost three straight games early on.

Singh also likened midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen to a pensioner – though later apologised for the comments.

This could all play into Town’s hands, according to Loach who said: “Blackburn is the kind of team we want to be playing week-in, week-out – we want to be in the Premier League.

“It is good to get them in early doors so we can show them what we have got and set the standard for the rest of the season.

“They didn’t want to be coming here or playing us, they would have preferred to have played at home. The pressure is on them. We have nothing to lose as everyone is going to think it will be a Blackburn win.

“We will just play our game. We beat West Ham, who virtually had their first team out minus Kevin Nolan. I’m not saying every game is the same, but West Ham have gone up and Blackburn have gone down so there is little difference.

“As long as we stay positive, have the right attitude and do the right things, we have a good chance.”

As well as dreaming about making his first Championship start at Portman Road, Loach is also looking forward to locking horns with Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson.

The Town stopper admitted: “I like to look at other clubs and I am looking forward to playing against the likes of Paul Robinson at Blackburn.

“I like to compare myself and think where do I need to be? He’s 32 so I think about where I want to be when I’m 32.

“These are all things I look forward to. I don’t get nervous, I get excited and keep calm, and look forward to doing the business.”

Loach, who used to watch Town from the stands when he was part of the club’s academy, admits tomorrow will be a very special day for him and his family.

Asked what it would be like walking out of the tunnel, the 24-year-old Blues’ fan said: “That is hard to answer, but it is something I am looking forward to.

“When my friends and family ask what the best thing is about football, I always say walking out of the tunnel.

“The game is the game, but that feeling when you walk out in front of the crowd inside a full or nearly-full stadium – when I used to watch Ipswich – that is going to stay with me for a long time.”