HONEST Shane Duffy says he deserved to be dropped from the Blackburn Rovers side.

But the big defender is hoping to keep his place for tonight’s Championship clash at Derby County after taking his chance on his comeback.

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Duffy had to settle for a place on the bench in Rovers’ last league outing, the 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic 10 days ago.

The 23-year-old had no complaints after conceding his form had dipped after an impressive start to life at Ewood Park.

But Duffy produced a vastly improved performance in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup win at home to Swansea City.

He was named man-of-the-match after playing a starring role in the shock success over the Premier League Swans.

And he admits the way he performed was a big confidence booster ahead of tonight’s trip to the iPro Stadium.

“I know by my own standards I haven’t been good enough,” said Duffy, a £300,000 summer transfer deadline day capture from Everton.

“I’ve been disappointed with myself and I fully deserved not to be in the team last week.

“But I’m pleased by the way I’ve reacted and I’m determined to get back in there.

“It’s football. One week you can be the worst player in the world and the next you can be the best.

“You’ve just got to keep believing in your own ability but obviously confidence does play a big part.

“Saturday is going to help with my confidence because people felt I played well and I think I did all right.”

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer was delighted by how Duffy fared against Swansea’s France international striker Bafetimbi Gomis – and by his honesty.

Bowyer said: “Shane saying what he has said shows you he is an honest lad and shows you that he wants to improve and get better.

“When he got his opportunity on Saturday I thought he handled Gomis ever so well.

“He had a right good battle with him and that’s what he’s got to do week in and week out.”

Bowyer must decide whether to bring back captain Grant Hanley, who was one of five first-team regulars rested against the Swans, tonight in place of Duffy or Matt Kilgallon.

But he insists it is not just at centre-back that he has tough decisions to make.

Bowyer said: “There is competition in all areas, not just in the centre-backs.

“It’s what we’ve been going on about since we took over the club.

“Now we’ve got to put these performances we’ve shown in the cup into the league form and win some games.”