THE last 12 months at Black-burn Rovers would have been a challenge for even the most experienced of footballers. For a youngster making his way in the game, it has certainly been a baptism of fire.

At just 21 years of age, Jason Lowe ends 2012 having established himself as a first team regular, experiencing Premier League relegation and having played under four managers at a club in turmoil.

A rollercoaster year for a 21-year-old. Lowe though appears to have taken it all in his stride.

The Ewood academy product is expected to partner Danny Murphy in the centre of the midfield for this afternoon’s visit of Nottingham Forest and is desperate to end the year on a high.

He said: “There have been a lot if ins and outs and ups and downs and it has been a great learning experience for me as a young lad. There is not a lot I can do apart from try and play as well as I possibly can for this team.

“That is football, sometimes you have your ups and your downs and it has been a massive down for Blackburn Rovers at the moment.

“As players, we take a lot of responsibility for what happens on the field. Certainly of late I don’t think our performances have been too bad but we haven’t been able to get the results.”

Lowe & co ensured Gary Bowyer’s first match in temporary charge ended with a win at Barnsley on Saturday and he is looking for a repeat today.

The win at Oakwell was only Rovers’ second win in 11 matches with Rovers sitting in 15th in the Championship.

Lowe said: “Any three points is a great feeling and to end the drought is a special one. We are aware we need more of that so hopefully we can take that into the Forest game and be nice and positive.

“Over the last few days after what has gone on, the lads have been absolutely outstanding and I thought it showed out there.

It was like rolling back the years under Gary. He is a great coach and I have known him for many years.

“To get the three points for the fans, for the coach and for the team was fantastic and hopefully we can take that feel-good factor into the next game.

“We have analysed well between ourselves and on Saturday it was about showing great character, and determination and will to work together and I think it paid off and I think we deserved the three points.

“The benchmark has been set, especially off the ball and organisation. We thoroughly deserved the win. It was great to hear the fans cheering. It certainly gives me an extra buzz and that feel hood factor, hopefully they can continue that.

“Hopefully this is the benchmark. At the end of the day it is down to the players and the team top produce regardless of who is in charge.”

Henning Berg’s dismissal last week came after just 10 games in charge and left Rovers travelling to Barnsley amid mass speculation and turmoil.

But, with the managerial situation yet to be sorted, Lowe insists the players have to get on with their jobs.

“It was a surprise but that side of the game us players can’t control,” said Lowe. “What happens upstairs we can’t control we can only control what happens on the field.

“As players you have to take it as it comes and try and do the business on the football field. Certainly this gives us the feel good factor going into the New Year and hopefully we can continue that.

“We are not going to waste any energy or time worrying about who is or isn’t coming in. All we can focus on is preparing for the next game.

“We are professional players. It is us who go out there and the commitment and attitude for the club and for the cause against Barnsley was outstanding.

“That is the benchmark and we need to take it into the Forest game. If we can do the off the ball stuff well I’m sure we can give the fans something to cheer.”