COLIN Hendry says now is the time to stop picking up the plaudits for Rovers' away form - and start piling up the points.

For while Rovers have been in impressive form away from Ewood Park this season they have only one point to show from it.

A draw at Manchester United when they should have won and two unlucky defeats at Aston Villa and Newcastle has seen them slump to the bottom of the Premiership after their home form has deserted them.

The big defender said: "We are in a position that none of us are used to and we have to get away from the foot of the table as soon as possible. And that means winning games - no matter how we do it."

Rovers travel to fellow strugglers Coventry on Saturday with last season's 5-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture still fresh in the minds - although they beat Ron Atkinson's men 5-0 at Ewood Park earlier in the campaign. It could be a tough encounter.

Hendry laughed off suggestions that it is a relegation showdown but admitted it was a basement battle that could be counted as a six pointer.

He said: "It's too early to talk about relegation but we know it is a game we have to win. We have played well away from home this season but as we have found out that doesn't necessarily earn you points.

"Everyone says we should have won at Manchester United and we were unlucky at Newcastle but we have come away without the rewards we deserved."

Chris Coleman's mysterious omission from the Coca Cola Cup clash against Brentford on Tuesday night could see Hendry continue his partnership with Henning Berg at the centre of defence.

That could mean a league debut for Gary Croft at right back after the former Grimsby Town star played well in the 2-0 Cup victory.

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