RAY Harford wants his players to battle their way out of potential trouble as soon as possible - but he wants them to do it the right way.

The Blackburn Rovers boss today stressed the importance of discipline and what the club are trying to achieve.

Four bookings at Newcastle last Saturday - two of them for dissent in the wake of a controversial penalty decision - almost doubled the club's tally of yellow cards this season from five to nine.

But that was out of keeping with the general trend at Ewood, where Harford has preached good discipline right from the pre-season games, when not a single caution was collected. "Yes, we have been working on it," he said.

"I thought the players showed a tremendous amount of discipline in the second half. It was a big test for them at Newcastle when they conceded the goal. "We talked about it at half time and, in the first 15 minutes of the second half, the discipline was good and we had a couple of chances.

"If it carries on it could be a big plus point for us.

"It can tell referees that we are a very disciplined team.

"Brian Clough's teams were always well-disciplined and I think it's a great position to come from.

"We have always tried to work on it but last year's record was poor and I think that's a tell-tale sign.

"It's something I was aware of and tried to help.

"I want a well-disciplined team. It might not be the way other clubs want to go but I feel it's right for us.

"I think if you are disciplined in the way you conduct yourselves, it's tied up with the way you play."

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