BLACKBURN Rovers reserve team boss Alan Murray felt a lack of quality cost his side dearly as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

After scoring four times on their two previous outings, Rovers' second string rarely looked like finding the net at Villa Park.

But Murray wasn't too disappointed by his side's efforts on the night against a Villa side packed with players with both first team and international experience.

"As a team we played with a lot of enthusiasm, worked hard and showed a fair bit of commitment but we didn't have the necessary quality on the night," said Murray.

"In the end, we finished up getting done by a mistake but I wasn't too disappointed overall because they put a quality side out with the likes of Steve Stone, Gareth Barry and Bosko Balaban, who cost them £6-7 million in the summer."

Rovers' second string now face a quick re-match with Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night at Morecambe, barely a week after they won handsomely at Hillsborough.

Meanwhile, reserve team skipper Darren Dunning is now back at Ewood following a loan spell with Rochdale.

And Murray is delighted to have him back available again for selection.

"They were playing him on the left side of midfield, which isn't his position, so he's better off back with us," added Murray.