BRIAN Kidd saw his team earn a well-deserved point at Highfield Road then paid tribute to two players whom Kevin Keegan might yet have on his mind when he selects his first England squad this week.

Chris Sutton returned to the front line, when some thought he would be used to strengthen a depleted defence, and Jason Wilcox grabbed the crucial goal for a Rovers side who could have won with a little bit of luck.

And Kidd, who also highlighted Martin Taylor's debut, made it crystal clear what he thinks of their importance to the Ewood cause.

"Everybody was telling me to play Chris Sutton in defence but I think that would have been negative," said the Rovers boss.

"And if I hadn't played Martin Taylor, it would also have shown that I have no faith in my players. That's not the case.

"I think Chris is the best in England at leading the line and I wouldn't change him for any centre forward in the country.

"If someone said I could take their centre forward instead, I would still keep Chris Sutton - by a country mile."

Wilcox also deserved the manager's plaudits, especially for the way he has unselfishly taken on roles which are not natural to him, to help the cause.

"Jason Wilcox was the best left-sided player in England when I came to the club," said Kidd.

"He was on fire and it's a shame that he has had to play in other positions.

"But that has been our situation.

"There's the backbone of a team missing.

"Graham Coughlan was going on loan to Rotherham but we had to stop that to have him on the bench."

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