TONY Mowbray says Blackburn Rovers have to find the best possible way to record a vital three points when they host Derby County this evening (7.45pm).

Rovers won many plaudits in Mowbray’s first game in charge at Burton Albion for their possession-based style which saw them enjoy almost 80 per cent of the ball in the first half.

But they weren’t able to find that elusive win, as they remained three points from safety with 14 games of the season remaining after Friday’s 1-1 draw.

Rovers have now won just two of their last 14 league outings, with Mowbray admitting results are all-important to his side. But he says maintaining a good level of performance will give them the best possible chance to turn their fortunes around.

He said: “I think in the current climate we really have to get the points.

“Ultimately it’s about points on the board, however you get them.

“But what I do believe is that if there’s a consistent level of performance then you will get more points than if you go out there and just try and sneak a 1-0 win from a set-play.

“That’s what we’re working on really, trying to give ourselves the best chance to get three points. When you don’t get three points it’s disappointing of course, but at least you know the performance is there.

“It’s all about points for us with 14 games to go and tonight is another chance to get some.”

Mowbray admits he has to take a very short-term view when it comes to Rovers’ remaining games, as he looks to steer them to safety and overhaul the deficit to fourth bottom Bristol City.

The Derby fixture is Rovers’ game in hand on a number of their relegation rivals, and is followed by two more fixtures at Ewood Park within the next week, against Wigan Athletic and Cardiff City.

And Mowbray admits these next three games could well indicate how tough a job Rovers have on their hands to stave off relegation.

“I think there’s an opportunity for the players to stick their chests out at home, go out there and put in a really positive performance and get the right result in the next three games,” he said.

“If this game against Derby County was on day one then we would approach it completely different.

“It’s not, and we need to find a way of giving ourselves the very best chance.

“The players have to buy in to what you sell them as a football coach and you give them a template to go out there and try and win and they have to then take it out on to the pitch and make it work.

“When you win then they really buy in to it and believe in each other and everything you ask of them. At this moment I have to earn that respect.

“On Friday, although we didn’t get that win, I think there were enough benefits.”

Mowbray is predicting a completely different game when Steve McClaren’s men arrive in East Lancashire.

And ahead of his Ewood Park bow, Mowbray added: “I look forward to every game.

“Of course I’m looking forward to it – there’s always a sense of trepidation because you want it to go well. We will go out there and give it everything we’ve got.”