CRAIG Short believes Blackburn Rovers can still emerge as a home banker this season but the former Everton central defender admits the pressure is on.

Rovers went into this afternoon's game against Tranmere looking for their first home win of the season after a draw against Port Vale and defeat by Barnsley.

And Short acknowledged the problems they were going to face all season, not only with their own nerves but also with visiting teams putting up the shutters at Ewood.

But he also feels that a couple of wins could kick-start the team's bid for success.

"The key now is to win at home," he said after the relief of claiming that first victory of the season at Norwich.

"We need to win a couple of games back to back but I think there have been a few nerves at home.

"There is pressure, without a doubt. I remember what it's like playing with sides in the lower leagues. They will come to Ewood and make it very difficult for us to break them down.

"Whereas when we are away from home the onus is more on them to attack us.

"I am sure everyone feels the pressure more at Ewood, because of the expectations here."

The victory at Norwich came as a huge relief to everyone at Ewood, especially as it was followed by two weeks without a game.

"There was pressure and a lot of tension before the game," he said.

Young winger Andy McAvoy, allowed to join Hartlepool on loan this week for experience, is also attracting attention from elsewhere.

Chief executive John Williams has dismissed suggestions that Doncaster Rovers have made an approach for one of Ewood's young strikers.

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