Owen Coyle is relieved to see the international break as the Blackburn manager looks to use the time off to get his squad back to full fitness following a spate of injuries.

Blackburn have endured a disappointing start to their Championship season and are languishing down in 22nd position, having picked up just two wins from 11 matches.

Saturday’s 1-0 away defeat to promotion-chasing Birmingham City has done little to lift the mood around Ewood Park and the pressure is mounting on Coyle.

The 50-year-old only took charge of the Lancashire-based outfit this summer but an early exit could be on the cards if the results don’t start to improve soon.

Injuries have wreaked havoc on Rovers as of late and three more were added to the treatment table after the narrow defeat at St Andrew’s.

Danny Graham, Corry Evans and Marvin Emnes all picked up knocks and the influential trio will be assessed over the international break.

Coyle is glad to have the extra time to rest and he is hoping the players come back with renewed optimism and confidence to ensure the club stay in the league.

He said: “We’ll have the break, come back and look to get fresh and then look to capitalise on a run of home games coming up, pick up points and move us to where we want to be.”

Blackburn, who are 2.15 to get relegated, return to Championship action on October 15 when they play host to Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys, who are priced at 7.00 to drop down to League One this term, lost 1-0 to leaders Huddersfield Town last time out and that result has left the club five points clear of the relegation zone.