I THINK the first goal is going to be crucial against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.

If Blackburn get it I think they will go on to win the game comfortably but if Wednesday get it then it could be a long afternoon.

Wednesday have got a good away record and no doubt they’ll be coming to Ewood Park to frustrate.

When that happens you’ve just got to keep possession and try to draw them out and make most of any openings you create.

An early goal will help that as it will mean they’ve got to come out, play football and attack you.

And if any side in this division tries to do that to Blackburn, particularly at Ewood, then they will get punished because Gary Bowyer has got a side full of goals.

He has also got a side full of character as proven by the 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough last Saturday.

I thought it was a great result against a tough team.

It kept the unbeaten run going and I bet the lads are going out on to the pitch at the moment feeling like they will not lose.

It’s a great feeling to have and here’s hoping it continues going into the Christmas period.

But Blackburn can’t afford to relax, every game in this division is a tough one, and no matter what the table tells you, Sheffield Wednesday will be no different.

Jason Steele can’t afford to relax either after the performance his deputy Simon Eastwood produced at the Riverside Stadium.

It leaves Gary facing a difficult decision and Simon is sure to be disappointed if he gets dropped.

But I’ve played in many a side when a keeper who hasn’t played for months comes in, has a good game, but then finds himself back on the bench when the number one is available again.

You look at Bobby Mimms in the Premiership winning-team, he played the odd game but most of the time he was back-up to Tim Flowers.

What is good, though, is that Simon proved that he is a good back-up for Jason.

Number two keeper must be the worst position in the squad because you know you’re hardly going to get a game.

You’ve got to be mentally strong, knowing that when your chance comes, you’ve got to stand up.

And Simon certainly did that on Saturday.