THE look of disgust on Brad Friedel's face said it all as Genclerbirligi's third goal hit the back of his net.

Last season, he kept 15 clean sheets for Rovers, and was far and away the best keeper in the Premiership.

I was a judge for the North West Sports Personality of the Year awards, and argued the case that Friedel should get the vote ahead of the likes of Michael Owen, Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham. The American did indeed take the honour.

This season is only seven games old, and Friedel has already had to pick the ball out of the net 15 times. More worryingly, he has failed to keep a single clean sheet.

Friedel though is playing as well as ever. Apart from one mistake, which allowed Nicolas Anelka to nick the points for Man City, his form has been exemplary.

Michael Owen will verify that - he would have had five against Rovers if it wasn't for Friedel.

The problem is the keeper is being hung out to dry by his defence - and Lorenzo Amoruso in particular.

On the day the Italian joined Rovers for £1.4m, I received an e-mail from a gloating Glaswegian. The gist of it was: 'Amo's a great character - but he's going to cost Rovers plenty goals south of the border. Good riddance.'

Only time will tell if he was a bitter Blue or whether he actually has a point.

But the initial signs are not good for Blackburn fans.

There's no doubting Amoruso's leadership on the pitch, but his lack of pace at the back will be exposed week in, week out.

Wednesday's game in Europe was a classic example. If you attack Rovers' central defence, chances will come. If you play a ball over the top, Amoruso is always struggling.

Lack of pace can be compensated for in other areas. Look at Henning Berg. Not the quickest defender around, but he reads the game so well.

Amoruso's trouble is that he's constantly being pulled out of position. You might get away with it against burly centre forwards, but the Premiership speed merchants will have a field day.

Nicolas Anelka and Michael Owen have already reaped their reward at Ewood Park. Thierry Henry and Craig Bellamy are still to come.

And of course, Souleymane Youla, who gave Amoruso the runaround in Ankara, will be back in a couple of weeks.

It may seem harsh to criticise a player whose Blackburn career is only seven games old - but football at this level is harsh. The man is an experienced player who has played at the highest level.

At the age of 32, he shouldn't need a dozen games to settle in to the pace of the Premiership.

Rovers' success last season was built on the solidarity between defence and keeper. You get the feeling now every team believes they can score against Rovers - especially on the break.

Much will now depend on getting Garry Flitcroft back fit to provide the protection in front of the back four.

And let's hope, for Blackburn's sake, I don't get another e-mail from 'Gloating Glaswegian' at the end of the season saying "I told you so!"