BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Jason McAteer nearly silenced the Gresty Road boo-boys by serving up a late winner for Craig Short last night.

But although Rovers ended up having to settle for a draw, McAteer wasn't too unhappy with a point, despite Alex's lowly league position.

"It was a difficult game because Crewe are a good side and Dario always has them playing," said McAteer.

"They always make it difficult because they play deep, get men behind the ball, and when they can, they do try and play.

"That means you end up doing a lot of running and you've got to break quickly so it can be quite difficult sometimes which is what we found.

"Maybe we were a little bit tired on the back of Saturday's result.

"But we grinded it out and it may turn out to be a good point."

McAteer was singled out and subjected to some verbal abuse from the terraces last night.

But the former Anfield ace didn't let it affect him.

And he is currently enjoying his new lease of life after six months on the sidelines through injury.

"I can think of better things to spend £14 on but while the crowd are giving me stick they are leaving other people alone," said McAteer.

"I've got big enough shoulders to take it, so it doesn't really bother me.

"I suppose it's bit of a compliment really.

"They all know my name but I haven't got a clue who a thousand of them are.

"But I'm just glad to be playing again.

"I was out for a long stretch which was quite disappointing.

"But I've managed to get back into the team in centre midfield and I'm enjoying every minute of it." QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"We were quite average, really, and I didn't think we created enough chances to win the game." Tony Parkes

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