NEIL Lennon was impressed by Blackburn Rovers’ performance in their FA Cup quarter-final 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

The Bolton Wanderers boss went on a scouting mission to Anfield ahead of tonight’s Championship clash between his side and Rovers at Ewood Park.

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And Lennon, who also oversaw a 0-0 FA Cup draw at Liverpool earlier in the season, said: “I thought they were excellent and comfortable in the game.

“They didn’t seem under any concerted pressure and played some good football at times.

“They could easily have won the game.

“It was a good overall performance and Gary Bowyer set his team up very well.”

Victory for Rovers tonight would move them up 10th and cut the gap on the play-offs to 11 points.

While a Bolton win would haul them up to 16th and 13 points clear of the relegation places.

“I’m sure their fans will be buoyed by the result and performance on Sunday,” said Lennon, whose injury-hit squad will be boosted by loan signings Giles Coke and Paddy McCarthy and the likely return from injury of Andy Lonergan, Craig Davies and Rovers nemesis Emile Heskey.

“It’s a local derby and it’s under the floodlights and that always adds a wee bit of meat to the bone in terms of the game.

“I think both teams will be looking forward to it with not much pressure riding on either team apart from that will to win for local pride.”

Bolton have not played since their 1-1 draw at home to Reading last Tuesday.

And Lennon said: “I’m expecting them to be chomping at the bit.”