NEW boy Michael Keane admitted to having mixed emotions after his impressive Blackburn Rovers debut ended in the most painful of defeats.

The 21-year-old was pleased with his own performance in Sunday’s East Lancashire derby and labelled the atmosphere at Ewood Park as the best he has played in.

But the centre back’s memories were tarnished by the final result as Burnley came from behind to win 2-1 and claim victory over Rovers for the first time in 35 years.

“It was the best atmosphere I have played in,” said Keane, who will remain on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

“The first 10 to 15 minutes and when we scored it was unbelievable – I was buzzing.

“But at the end we were so disappointed for the fans because when they turn out like that you want to give them a positive result and something to cheer about.”

Keane, an England U21 international, lined-up alongside fit-again captain Grant Hanley in the heart of the Rovers defence.

And with Matt Kilgallon set to miss tomorrow’s home clash with Bournemouth, Keane is confident he can form a strong partnership with the Scotland star.

“Grant is really good in the air and is a strong defender whereas I am more the playing type,” said Keane, who was watched from the stands on Sunday by his United boss David Moyes.

“Obviously I didn’t get as much chance to do that as it was a feisty derby.

“But I think I defended well and hopefully the partnership can continue.”

Keane, whose display was praised by Rovers boss Gary Bowyer, is now looking to make an immediate response against Bournemouth tomorrow night.

“We were deflated and quiet but we’ve just got to pick ourselves up,” said Keane who has also had loan spells at Leicester and Derby.

“We can take things out of the performance and we’ve got to look to Wednesday’s game now to put things right.”

Keane also believes Rovers were the better team against Burnley.

He said: “I think we coped with their attacking play really well throughout the whole game except for the two set-plays.

“It is just a case of being switched on and concentrating for the whole 90 minutes.

“We also had a couple of chances to go 2-0 up but these things happen in football so we just have to get on with it.

“But it seemed to be their day because they didn't have many chances but when they did they scored.”