Brown hoping experience pays

Wes Brown hopes his experience of beating relegation with Sunderland can give Blackburn an extra edge in their battle against the drop.

The former England defender has spent the last few seasons helping the Black Cats fight for their Premier League survival but, following his departure in the summer, he arrived at Ewood Park on a free transfer in September.

With Brown also working with the club’s Under-23s, he is yet to make his first-team debut but is confident he is now fit enough to be considered for selection, and is hopeful of getting the nod against Brentford on Saturday week.

Brown spent the first decade of his career battling for trophies with Manchester United but it is his experience while at Sunderland that could prove valuable to Blackburn, having beaten the drop on four occasions.

Owen Coyle’s men currently sit 23rd in the Championship standings and the 37-year-old says history tells him that they must stay positive if they are to avoid going down to League One this season.

“At the moment we’re in a relegation battle,” the veteran said. “I’ve been there with Sunderland. But I do think there’s games where we could have won.

This league, from what I’ve seen up to now, is so tight. “Once your head drops it can go a different way, so you’ve got to keep the team spirit together.

He added: “Luck always helps. There’s been many games where it’s gone against us, but it can turn and you just hope it happens to your team.”

Blackburn are currently 1.85 to be relegated, with bottom side Rotherham 1.07.