MARK Hughes praised assistant referee Darren Cann for having the courage to change his mind after Blackburn Rovers snatched a controversial point at Manchester City last night.

Mr Cann initially flagged for offside as Rovers grabbed an 83rd minute equaliser at Eastlands, believing David Dunn had got a decisive touch on David Bentley's right-wing centre.

However, realising that Dunn did not in fact 'interfere' in Roque Santa Cruz's dramatic equaliser, Mr Cann then promptly changed his mind following a brief consultation with Howard Webb, the match referee.

As a result, the goal was allowed to stand, which meant Rovers became the first visiting team to claim a point off City at Eastlands this season.

Praising Cann, Hughes said: "I think he initially felt David Dunn was in an offside position and he put his flag up very early.

"I saw it go up and when you see that, you expect the goal to be chalked out.

"But in fairness to him, he was strong enough and brave enough to admit that he had made the mistake.

"The flag had gone up a little bit early because he anticipated something was going to happen and it didn't.

"I think he thought David Dunn had got a touch on it, but then realised it was Roque who obviously headed the ball in, and then called Mr Webb over to tell him he had made a mistake, which doesn't happen very often.

"But, obviously, we are grateful for it, and it was the right decision and the correct decision, because it was a valid goal and we are delighted that it was allowed to stand."

The manner of Rovers' equaliser re-opened the whole debate about when a player is and is not interfering.

Hughes said: "At times it's very difficult to know the difference between black and white because the rule is more grey these days.

"That's why the debate will always rage over it.

"But we've had examples where we've felt hard done by with certain decisions relating to interference, or phase one and phase two - call it what you like.

"However, if the referee explained the situation this evening then I think he would say it was the correct decision."