Manchester United loanee Danny Simpson was handed his first Blackburn Rovers’ Premier League start at right back, while former MK Dons man Keith Andrews started in the heart of midfield for the first time.

Both had their hands full, with Theo Walcott keeping Simpson busy and Andrews trying to deal with Cesc Fabregas and Denilson.

But their boss Paul Ince says both debuts gave promise for the future.

He said: “I think Simpson did well, he grew into the role.

And you have to remember just a couple of months ago Keith Andrews was playing in League One, now he is playing against Fabregas and I thought he equipped himself very well.