OWEN Coyle says he had no doubts about playing Ben Marshall in Blackburn Rovers’ FA Cup win at QPR after his chat with the unsettled star.

Marshall has been the subject of much speculation so far this month having been linked with a move to Wolves and a reunion with former boss Paul Lambert.

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However, Marshall was back in the Rovers side for the win at Loftus Road on Saturday following his three-game absence through injury.

He put in an all-action display, first at right-back and then in central midfield, as Rovers progressed in to round four of the competition.

Marshall is out of contract in the summer and appears unlikely to sign a deal with Rovers as speculation over his future grows.

But Coyle says the 25-year-old must remain committed to the cause, however long he remains at the club.

The manager said: “I’ve said, it’s not an easy one when you have a player that’s out of contract in the summer and everything that goes with it.

“I spoke to him on Friday and mentioned that as long as he was tuned in to giving everything for his teammates and for the club, and he was in a position to play, then he would.

“He said he was and I think he showed with his performance that while he’s here at the club he will do his best.

“Until such time as a club comes in with an offer that matches the owner’s valuations, then that is how it will be.”

Rovers would command a fee for Marshall if he were to leave this month, though the right-sided player would be allowed to leave for free in the summer, were he not to sign a new deal at Ewood Park.

Coyle revealed last week that he was yet to receive a written offer for Marshall, despite reports suggesting the club had rejected a bid for his services.