He claims Blackburn will have to treat Nancy with respect when they meet at Ewood Park tonight in the UEFA Cup.

Nonda, on loan from Roma, said: “Two years ago they were in the Second Division but now they are doing well in the top flight.

“They are the surprise team of the league and we will have a tough game against them.

“Nancy are also having a good run in the UEFA Cup and play as a group.

“We must impose our physical type of game on them and if we do that we can win.”

Blackburn need a victory in order to top Group E having already qualified and Nonda added: “It is important for us to get the three points and finish first.

“As a striker you are always happy when you score but a victory is more important.”

Nonda is under pressure to deliver as local lad Matt Derbyshire, 20, has hit a good run of form and took his place in the second half of the defeat by Newcastle.

Derbyshire got his reward after scoring eight goals in eight appearances for the reserves.

Manager Mark Hughes said: “Matt did well when he came on. I wanted to carry the fight to Newcastle and take the ball into the opposition’s half.

“He did that. He is a young lad who is still finding his way but he did what I wanted of him.

“Matt will be better for the time spent on the pitch as well.”

Hughes believes they can reverse their poor domestic form – six defeats in eight games – and finish ahead of Nancy at the top of the group.

He said: “Our objective is clear, we need a win, and we will have a real go.

“This is a huge period for us with a lot of games in the next few weeks.

“But we cannot afford to make wholesale changes for this game as the opposition are so good.

“Nancy have a lot of quality and like to put teams under pressure. It should be a stiff test for us.”