BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes was full of praise for his players following last night's 2-0 friendly win against Real Mallorca in Austria.

First half goals from Steven Reid and Ryan Nelsen set Rovers up for an impressive victory against their La Liga opponents.

And Hughes was delighted with the overall performance, particularly as it came off the back of Saturday's below par showing against 1860 Munich.

"I thought we played well," said Hughes.

"We went up a level from Saturday and it was a good work-out for us, and good preparation because they're a decent side, so I'm happy.

"It was important that we kicked on from the last game.

"We were okay against 1860 but we were a lot better here and I think that shows the benefit of the game we had before."

Rovers kept the ball far better than they did against Munich at the weekend, and Hughes was particularly pleased with the way his players pressed the Spaniards - a point he and the coaching staff have been hammering home on the training ground over the last few days.

"I think we were just a little bit nearer where we need to be," said the Rovers boss. "Physically, we looked better and we got up to the ball better, in terms of closing them down quickly.

"Defensively, we kept a bit of a higher line which helped us, and I thought we were quite comfortable in possession, too.

"We were very patient when we had the ball, but when we needed to move it on, we quickened the pace, switched the play well, and caused them problems, so, overall, it was very pleasing."

With Craig Bellamy missing as a result of a minor knock, Hughes paired Shefki Kuqi and Paul Dickov up front together for the first time and he was pleased with how they linked up.

"I thought Shefki and Paul did very well in the first half. They were constantly trying to work the angles and were a great outlet for us," said Hughes.

"Shefki is a big target and Dickie is a willing runner who'll work the channels so it was a good mix."

Dickov actually had to be substituted in the 63rd minute on the request of the referee after he became embroiled in an altercation with a Mallorca defender, who was also hauled off.

"I think they took exception to a few challenges but they were genuine challenges," added Hughes, who flies back to England today with the rest of the squad.

"The referee was very good overall and I thought he handled the game very well."

The only slight disappointment on the night was an injury to Ryan Nelsen, who tweaked his knee and had to be replaced shortly after half-time.

It's not thought to be serious but the Kiwi may miss Saturday's friendly with Swansea.

Robbie Savage and Matt Jansen may return, though, after missing both of Rovers' games in Germany and Austria.