Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Sam rues double injury blow

18 May 2009 - 08:17:46

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Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce rued injuries to key players during Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Ryan Nelsen and Gael Givet both picked up first-half calf injuries as Rovers struggled to hold a rampant Blues side.

Former Bolton and Newcastle boss Allardyce said after the Stamford Bridge clash: "I thought we were really in the game but the problem again was that playing away from home we didn't convert good opportunities.

"We had several opportunities, two of the best were headers in the first half, Ryan Nelsen just five yards out and Chris Samba, but we've not hit the target.

"So the opportunities were there but we needed to find the sort of finish they did. (Florent) Malouda's header was terrific, it was some finish from that distance.

"The defensive side of our game wasn't great but our attacking side in the first half I was pleased with apart from not making the Chelsea keeper work hard enough.

"But once we got the injuries to Ryan and Gael then life became too difficult for us in the second half and Chelsea ran out comfortable winners.

"We now have West Brom at home next Sunday, and I want us to end the season strongly with our sixth home win."