Blackburn boss Owen Coyle admits Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Norwich was “not the start that any of us wanted” or had “envisaged”.

Jacob Murphy opened the scoring after 12 minutes, while Wes Hoolahan and Cameron Jerome were also on target before the break.

Steven Naismith put the result beyond doubt just before the hour mark but Blackburn did mount a response as Anthony Stokes grabbed a consolation goal.

Coyle was disappointed by the result in his first competitive game in charge but the Scot insists there are positives to take from the loss, while conceding Rovers have to improve.

“It’s not the start that any of us wanted, and not the start that any of us had envisaged either,” he told Radio Rovers.

“I thought we started the game quite well, I was pleased with the first ten minutes, but then the boy scores a wonder goal.

But for us we should have got pressure on the ball before he is able shoot from 25-yards.

“But when you take that nosebleed you’ve got to stand up and be counted again and I felt for that ten minute period we were like rabbits in the headlights.

“Of course when that happens the confidence drains away from the players for conceding those goals.

“So for me the second half was about showing some character, showing that you are prepared to stand up and be counted and to try and effect things.

“We could have either felt sorry for ourselves or you pick yourselves up and show heart and courage, which for the most part of the second half I thought they did.

He added: “We have to make sure that we are ready for every challenge that comes our way and learn the harsh lessons from today.”

Blackburn are 17.00 to be promoted this season and Norwich are 5.50 to win the Championship outright.