Source: Team_Talk
Sam 'excited' by Rovers young guns
Four players aged 22 or under were in the starting line-up which lost 2-1 at Liverpool on Sunday with another on the substitutes' bench.[LNB]That game was overshadowed by the ongoing row between Allardyce and Reds manager Rafael Benitez, who ridiculed his opponent's tactics.[LNB]However, the Rovers boss feels the bigger picture has been overlooked in the post-match furore.[LNB]"I am excited. I think the rapid growth of the youngsters has been a real bonus and a real pleasure for me," he said.[LNB]"Players who were already here like Junior Hoilett and Martin Olsson have started to emerge as regular first-team players in their early 20s.[LNB]"Also the new players we have brought in and wanted to develop, perhaps not for this season, have been outstanding.[LNB]"Steven Nzonzi and Nikola Kalinic are playing far more of a role than we believed they would at this point. That stands us in real good stead."[LNB]Allardyce believes he has struck a good balance in his squad which will benefit Blackburn in the seasons to come.[LNB]"That mixture of youth and experience is very important," he told the Lancashire Telegraph. [LNB]"The young ones have the high energy and give you legs and enthusiasm and the older more experienced players are your calmer head and ability.[LNB]"It is a nice-looking blend and hopefully that can grow over the years."[LNB][LNB]
