A long night, but a good one, as Jon Dahl Tomasson gave his verdict on Rovers reaching round five of the FA Cup for the first time in six years.

An Auston Trusty own goal in the 100th minute separated the sides on what was a closely-fought game at St Andrew’s.

An injury time Jordan James goal at Ewood Park on Saturday had sent the game to a replay which Rovers edged to book a fifth round tie at Leicester City.

It means Rovers have now won five cup matches under Tomasson believed his side were good value for the victory, even though he felt they could have been sharper in the final third and being indebted to some excellent goalkeeping from Aynsley Pears at the other end.

“It’s been a long night,” Tomasson said.

“I’m delighted with the win and to be through to the next round, and overall, the performance. I think it was a solid performance, we played against a good side, but I think we controlled the game.

“It was a close game but I thought we deserved to win the game.

“We played some good football, the only thing that was lacking was the end product. That was the issue.

“On the other hand, we were defensively solid more or less against a side that is difficult in that way (to defend against), who have a lot of quality with set pieces, but it was a great win with a great spirit with the lads playing the extra minutes.

“It has been a while since Blackburn have gone so far in the cup.

“We have already had excellent wins in the Carabao Cup, winning three great victories with our fans, beating West Ham, and now we get the opportunity to face Leicester away. I think our fans enjoyed it.”

Pears had impressed in Rovers’ Carabao Cup matches, and in the third round win at Norwich City, but he was left on the bench for Saturday’s game.

Tomasson’s change of goalkeeper for the replay was one of five alterations in all, with Pears making three excellent second half saves to send the game to extra time, having pulled off a fine stop in the first half as Daniel Ayala almost put through his own goal.

“He (Pears) did well, it is a big compliment to him, but not only him,” the coach added.

“I think we are making progress in the team, in the game.

“The only thing we should have been better at is scoring goals, but the end of the day, I'm delighted with the performance, it's a solid away performance against a difficult side."

As well as Pears, Ayala, returning after his one-match ban, plus Lewis Travis, Tyrhys Dolan and Jack Vale were recalled to the starting line-up.

Ayala was forced off at half time as he continues to struggle with a foot problem, with Hayden Carter coming on.

Sam Gallagher and Sam Szmodics were introduced towards the end of 90 minutes, and then Ash Philips and Tayo Edun in the second half of extra time.

Despite going all the way to 120 minutes, Rovers don’t play again until Tuesday, with Tomasson welcoming that time before welcoming Wigan Athletic to Ewood Park.

"First of all, it was good to use the subs in this way. We thought it could be a long game,” he added.

“Daniel was not planned, but I think we used them (the subs) quite cleverly. The boys have done an excellent job, big compliments to all the players for their great work.

"Of course it is good to have a couple of extra days.

“The squad is not that big and for the upcoming period, we need to use the whole squad as the games are coming quick.”