Source: Team_Talk
Big Sam happy with home comforts
Ewood Park has become a bit of fortress since December, when the former Newcastle and Bolton boss took charge.[LNB]Blackburn entertain Portsmouth on Saturday looking to build on a record of only one defeat in nine league games on their own patch.[LNB]A victory will surely assure Rovers of Premier League football again next season and Allardyce said: "I would consider us safe if we make it to 40 points. Let's do it with two games to spare.[LNB]"It will be a tense, nervous affair. We know that one win wherever can change the whole shape of the table. We have to use all our experience.[LNB]"There has been a great turnaround of form at Ewood Park and it could have been even better.[LNB]"Four wins, four draws and only one defeat is very good considering where we started from.[LNB]"The players look forward to playing at home especially as there has been such a good atmosphere the last few games.[LNB]"The key has been our good defensive work. That has given the attacking players a platform to work on to get the goals we need to win a game."[LNB]The spotlight will again be on striker Benni McCarthy as Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts remain sidelined through injury.[LNB]Roberts looked to be on the verge of a comeback from a stress fracture of the foot but Allardyce has erred on the side of caution.[LNB]"We cannot take any chances that the bone might break again," said the Blackburn boss. "We will leave it for now and hopefully he will get a game in before the end of the season."[LNB]McCarthy gave Blackburn a scare last weekend when he came off with a knock in the defeat by Manchester City.[LNB]However he has shown no ill-effects this week and seems certain to be again partnered up front by Chris Samba.[LNB]Allardyce said: "Benni is okay. We did not want him to take any more risks against City, that's all."[LNB]McCarthy has been omitted from the South Africa squad for the prestigious Confederatios Cup tournament, which begins in his homeland next month.[LNB]Allardyce is quietly pleased about that situation and said: "Benni can now go and spend some time with his family when our season finishes and get himself together.[LNB]"From day one of pre-season we will working to get better, fitter and stronger for the Premier League."[LNB]Meanwhile on-loan full back Danny Simpson has left Blackburn and returned to Manchester United.[LNB]Allardyce said: "Danny wanted to go back and train with them as his first-team appearances here have been limited. We allowed him to do that after he played for the reserves in midweek."[LNB][LNB]
