Steve Kean admits ‘forfeiting’ cup tie

With Rovers bottom of the Premier League by two points after 13 games, Kean said staying in the top flight was the priority this season and made no apologies for his team selection against Cardiff.

“We are in a position where we have forfeited going through in this competition and having the chance to reach a cup final,” said Kean. “We now have games against sides who are within touching distance of us in the league and we need to treat those games as cup finals.”

Kean made five changes to his side for the Cardiff City Stadium clash and also chose not to risk the defensive trio of Christopher Samba, Michel Salgado and Martin Olsson, who are all returning from hamstring injuries.

Kean explained: “There was a temptation to start with a stronger side but the way our injuries have gone at the moment, Samba has been out for a bit so he was touch and go, as were the other two.

“But they have had hamstring tears so they’re not small injuries and with the magnitude of the game coming up on Saturday (at home to Swansea), we need to get back to winning ways in the league so it was important.”

Despite the club’s poor results since Kean took over as manager midway through last season, Blackburn’s Indian owners – Asian poultry giant Venky’s – have stood loyally behind the Scottish coach.

A section of supporters has taken a different view, however, with most Blackburn matches the scene of protests and angry chants.

“It’s never nice when the fans are negative, but when you are focused on the game it’s something you put to the back of your mind. It doesn’t affect me,” Kean said.

“We all want the same things. We all want the club to win the game. The fans are frustrated but we all need to stick together.”