BLACKBURN Hawks are 'Up for the cups' with back-to-back games this weekend.

First up is the long trip to Whitley Bay in the North East for a re-arranged English Cup game with the local Warriors tonight.

And 24 hours later, it's the daunting challenge of high-flying Milton Keynes Thunder who visit the Arena for a Premier Cup clash.

The Hawks have chance of qualifying for the national final of the English Cup, but it's all down to goal power.

Sheffield, who entertain Billingham on Sunday, are tied on points with the Hawks but have the advantage with a six-goal difference.

Hawks' player-coach Bobby Haig is hoping to do the 'cup double' over Whitley, but knows it won't be easy.

He said: "We have to go up there and get a good result to give ourselves any chance of the final, and we have to win by quite a few goals, so we'll be pulling out all the stops."

On-loan netminder Karl Holmes will make his debut for the Hawks and is expected to ply both matches over the weekend.

"He's been in great form at Kingston and I know what he's capable of, I've played against him many times," said Haig.

"Kingston only have gone game left, so they were happy to let him help us out until the end of the season."

Holmes has arrived in answer to the Hawks' goalkeeping crisis.

Number one minder Colin Downie has re-located to Scotland, Robbie Smith picked up a serious injury two weeks ago, leaving only teenager Nick Saxton as cover.

Haig is awaiting news on Wes Barnett and Wayne Slater, who are possible injury doubts, but will still field a strong squad on both nights.

"Milton Keynes are top of the Premier League, they will be very tough opponents. All we can do is give it our best shot," he said.

In the previous fixture this year, the Hawks lost 14-2 away at Milton Keynes.

The Premier Cup match with the Thunder starts at 6pm tomorrow. The Arena doors open for spectators at 5.15 pm.