Owen Coyle hails Rovers spirit

Owen Coyle has hailed the character of his Blackburn side following their 4-3 extra time EFL Cup win over Crewe on Tuesday.

Rovers went into the game sitting bottom of the Championship having taken just one point from their opening four fixtures and their confidence was further rocked when they conceded two early goals.

However they bounced back and Craig ’87th minute goal put them 3-2 up, only for the Railwaymen to equalise in stoppage time.

Shane Duffy proved the hero though, as after scoring two own goals and being sent off last week at Cardiff, the Irishman gained redemption as he netted what eventually proved to be the winner in the seventh minute of extra time.

It means Rovers are now into the third round of the competition and their fans will be hoping the mood within the camp will have improved following their battling win.

Next up is Saturday’s visit of Fulham to Ewood Park, a game they are 3.10 to win, with the draw 3.30 and the Cottagers 2.25.

Coyle admitted the win was vital for his side’s demeanour going forward and has praised the spirit they showed in adversity.

“It was an important victory for us because everybody knows there’s never an easy tie in these competitions,” he said.

“We knew before the game this could be tricky for us, and to be honest we made it difficult for ourselves in going two goals behind.

“When we were two behind I could see the fans were getting a little bit nervous, a bit edgy maybe.

But just when you need your players to stand up and be counted, that’s exactly what happened.”

He added: “My lads dragged themselves up and showed real character in the end.”