BRAD Friedel has backed Andre Ooijer to step into the breach as Blackburn Rovers attempt to get their season back on track with a victory against Newcastle United today.

With influential skipper Ryan Nelsen about to start a two-match ban as a result of his sending-off against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, Ooijer is in line to replace the Kiwi for this afternoon's clash with the Magpies at Ewood.

After a sticky start to his career in England, the Dutch international has since succeeded in winning over the doubters following a string of impressive performances at right-back and centre-half.

Friedel certainly rates the former PSV Eindhoven star highly, hailing him as a key member of the first-team squad', and he believes his big-game experience could be vital as Rovers look to return to winning ways following four matches without a victory.

"Andre Ooijer is a very influential member of our squad.

"He's a very good footballer, and a very good defender," said the Rovers keeper.

"When he first came to Blackburn, he had one or two unlucky moments, at a time when he was also getting used to the pace of the Premier League.

"But, like all good footballers, he quickly adapted and he's gone on to become a very important member of the dressing room.

"All the lads took a liking to him straight away, and his versatility means he can play a number of different roles.

"To be successful at this level, you need to have youth and experience in your team and we have a great mix in that respect.

"It's easy for big clubs to achieve that mix because they can just go out and buy who they want.

"But for a club like ours, Mark and his staff have to use what money they have very wisely.

"That means building through the youth ranks and bringing the right players in through the transfer market.

"I've said before, this is the best squad I've been involved in during my time at Blackburn, and I'm sure the manager will look to add to it again, both in January and next summer."

Beaten 4-0 by Villa on Wednesday night, Friedel insists there is a determination within the squad to put things right against Newcastle this afternoon.

He added: "After a defeat like that, you want to play again as quickly as possible.

"It was a strange game against Villa. You never want to lose a game at home, let alone 4-0.

"But anyone who saw it could see it was never a 4-0 performance.

"Now it's important we put that behind us and go out and put in a performance against Newcastle."