Christophe Berra is looking forward to facing Scotland squad colleague Jordan Rhodes when Blackburn Rovers visit Portman Road tonight.

The pair were together for more than a week recently when they were both included in manager Gordon Strachan’s squad for the friendly double-header against the USA and Norway.

But the Blues defender’s time on the training ground alongside Rhodes was limited because the ex-Town youngster was ruled out of action for a couple of days through injury, although he knows exactly what to expect.

Berra said: “I’ve played against Jordan many times. He’s a top man, a good lad and we all know about his goalscoring record in the Championship.

"He might not be in the game for 89 minutes but he’ll pop up with the winner. We’ll have to be on red alert to stop him scoring.

“But you like to play against the best players, no matter what league you play in. You’ve got to treat everyone the same and show them all respect because if you don’t that’s when you end up getting punished.

“In terms of goalscoring there are not many better players around than Jordan. He’s done it regularly for the last few seasons and is right up there with the very best. His record in that time speaks for itself.”

Photo: Action Images

WorcesterBlue added 08:39 - Dec 3 The lad is a finisher no doubt about it. I hear the same about Marriott. A great asset but also requires a way of playing across the rest of the attack to get the best out of them and particularly the strike partner who needs to be creator as well (Lineker's Bearsdley for example). We have Didsy so perhaps there is hope for Marriott? Here's one though - looking at the merits of both players, if we could sign either player on a 5 year deal: Rhodes or Wickham?

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IpswichLewis added 08:57 - Dec 3 Easy decision...Marriott :p
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WorcesterBlue added 10:47 - Dec 3 Ha IpswichLewis beat me to it - that was my next question. Undeniably Marriott needs to be looked after and brought more into the fold. Unfortunately though everyone seems to love MM the fact he thinks Nouble even has the slightest contribution to make ahead of Marriott means I fear the worst - another one off the pastures new...
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blueboy1981 added 20:41 - Dec 5 Nice for Rhodes to state 'he is still one of us' - and to leave was the last thing he wanted. This lad is in enforced exile - and is Blue thro' and thro'. Will always be wished well wherever he plays by me - and hopefully MANY more.
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