Kevin Gallacher says Rovers can take plenty of positives from there narrow defeat against Hull City – but fears their lack of squad depth could prove costly in the long term.

Gallacher, a member of Kenny Dalglish’s Premier League title-winning squad, was in attendance at Ewood Park as Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men came up just short against the Tigers despite playing most of the game with 10 men.

The 56-year-old says Tomasson was right to praise his players for their efforts despite being put in a tough position by Harry Pickering’s early red card.

He hopes the club can get further signings over the line before the transfer window slams shut in less than two weeks’ time.

“It is probably what they need to strengthen the side,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

“We probably need more experienced players in there but that could hinder the younger players who are coming through.

“Or do you just get loan signings in and try to utilise the players you already have? The Buckleys, the Garretts, trying to get that extra 10 or 15 per cent out of them.

“We are definitely short for the long-term, that is for sure. Getting through to January, I don’t think the squad is deep enough in that manner. We definitely need three or four players to make it stronger.”

Former Scotland international Gallacher was impressed with Rovers’ display in the second half but felt they were ultimately undone by a couple of lapses in concentration at the back.

“I thought the team played well, especially in the second half,” he added. “The first half, maybe not so well but I thought they played against a team who are very similar in Hull.

“They came and started the game fast, and that is what nullified Blackburn in the first half.

“We were just getting into the game when we got caught out with a pass and unfortunately for Harry Pickering, he was the wrong side of the player and collects a red card. From then on, it looked like it was going to be a mountain to climb.

“In the second half, a couple of substitutions changed it and fresh legs came on.

“We got our noses in front, I think to the surprise of the whole crowd, and the way they tried to keep playing football was good.

“But we just have those lapses at the back at times and that was the disappointing thing. We seem to switch off when we are attacking and the defenders get caught out.”

Sam Gallagher and Niall Ennis had positive impacts off the bench, with the former opening the scoring 16 minutes from time with a clinical strike.

Ennis was also denied by the woodwork moments before Aaron Connolly’s late winner for the visitors.

“I felt sorry for Tyrhys Dolan, he was the one who got pulled off for the red card and the system had to change a bit,” Gallacher explained.

“Sam and Niall Ennis came on and, as they did against Rotherham, they seemed to change the game a little bit. Different styles of play, work rates and attitudes which maybe helps them.

“Sam got his goal being in the right place at the right time. It was a great touch and a great finish. Niall made a nuisance of himself.

“Sometimes you need a bit of luck to go and nick a game and I thought that was the time.

“It was just unfortunate five minutes later, Hull exposed weak areas in Blackburn’s defence and it was a great finish.

“Then, Hull got stronger and unfortunately the Blackburn players started tiring a little bit mentally and struggled towards the end.”