BLACKBURN Rovers defender Tommy Spurr admits it has been ‘frustrating’ to see Markus Olsson make the left-back spot his own.

But Spurr now feels he is in a better position to challenge the ‘brilliant’ Olsson than he was when he first returned from his long injury lay-off six weeks ago.

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Spurr ran Tom Cairney close for Rovers’ player of the year award after a superb debut campaign at Ewood Park.

But he has been restricted to just six appearances this season after being struck down by serious groin injuries that sidelined him for the best part of 10 months.

During that time Olsson has proved an able deputy and is many Rovers fans’ favourite to win the player of the year prize that Cairney pipped Spurr and Jordan Rhodes to in 2013-14.

“Markus has been brilliant,” said Spurr, who is relishing Saturday’s clash with his hometown team Leeds United.

“But it’s obviously been frustrating for me, watching someone else do so well and knowing I’d done so well last year.

“But it’s also healthy for the team and a good decision for the gaffer to make.”

Spurr started three matches last month, the 2-1 win at his former club Sheffield Wednesday and, after Olsson hurt his hamstring, the 3-1 victory at Charlton Athletic and the 3-2 home defeat to Brentford.

But Olsson regained his place in the starting line-up for Rovers’ last outing before the international break, the 1-0 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, before moving further up the flank after Spurr was brought on for midfielder Chris Taylor.

“I thought we showed we could play together and did well,” said Spurr.

“So you never know, maybe it’s something the gaffer will do again.”

Spurr was unsatisfied with his performance in his last start against Brentford.

But he does feel slowly but surely he is getting back to his best.

“I’ve come back in and I’ve played okay,” said Spurr.

“I was a bit disappointed with the first goal against Brentford, being out of position, but other than that I’ve played alright.

“I feel fit and when you haven’t played for 10 months it’s a long time, so to come back in and get to the level where I want to be and where I was last year is going to take time.

“But you don’t get that in football. People are on you straight away, saying you’re not this or you’re not that.

“But I think I’m getting there.”

Rovers welcome Liverpool to Ewood Park on Wednesday for a hotly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final replay.

But the trip to Elland Road on Saturday is the only game Spurr is focusing on.

He said: “With me coming from Leeds that game is just as big for me.

“So my mind will be completely on Leeds and hopefully trying to get a game in that.”

Less than 1,350 tickets remain to Rovers supporters with a database booking history for the Liverpool replay.

There are now only single seats available in the Jack Walker Stand and Ronnie Clayton Blackburn End lower tier while there is limited availability in the RFS Riverside Stand.

For fans requiring at least two seats together the Ronnie Clayton Blackburn End upper tier has the best availability.