Fighting spirit the key for Blackburn

Blackburn manager Steve Kean insists his side’s fighting spirit will help them avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

Rovers are just two points clear of the bottom three, but can claw their way up the league with a win at home to fellow strugglers Birmingham on Saturday.

The Ewood Park club showed the commitment Kean is relying on by claiming a worthy point at title-chasing Arsenal last weekend, despite playing part of the game at the Emirates a man down after Steven N’Zonzi was sent off.

“Our togetherness has never been in question,” said Kean.

“You saw that in the Fulham match where we came back twice and then on Saturday when we go down to 10 men – we dug in, battled, got the ball and didn’t let Arsenal over-run us.”

“The commitment and togetherness of the group is there for everyone to see, we are fighting for each tackle, fighting to hold on to each ball.”

With the pressure on as Kean looks to guide Blackburn to safety, the 43-year-old Scot said working on the training pitch helps him get away from the stress of Rovers’ relegation battle.

“I find my escape on the training ground,” he said. “It is difficult if you don’t get a result and you are at home looking at the table or analysing what you would have done differently.”

“You start looking at every player and giving them a mark out of 10 or asking whether your substitutions were right or you could have done something different.”

“That’s why I think my release is always back on the training ground.”

Blackburn will be without midfielders Keith Andrews (groin) and Vince Grella (Achilles) for the important clash with Birmingham at the weekend.