Jon Dahl Tomasson was pleased with Semir Telalovic's debut for Blackburn Rovers and thinks there is more to come from the new signing.
The 23-year-old joined Rovers on a permant deal from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. He signed on transfer deadline day and was ineligible to feature against Plymouth Argyle before the interntional break.
After two weeks on the training ground with his new team-mates, Telalovic was thrust into the final 40 minutes of action against Middlesbrough. He could've had an assist on his debut, playing a nice through ball into Sam Szmodics' path, who should've scored for his hat-trick.
Telalovic didn't see lots of the ball, having come on just after Middlesbrough reduced the arrears by pulling a goal back. He did have one opportunity in front of goal but missed from a tight angle, with the offside flag already up.
WATCH: Elliott Jackson's post-match Rovers review
Tomasson was happy with the new striker's contribution but urged for patience as he adapts to a new country, a new club and a new league.
"I think he worked very hard, there was almost a chance for him but he was offside," Tomasson told The Lancashire Telegraph. "I don't know if it was offside but okay, he missed it.
"He worked hard and he's a player who needs to get up to speed. He's a great boy, he is confident, he likes to talk. He has a lot of energy.
"We shouldn't put too much pressure on him, he is a player with potential but unproven at this level. Nothing wrong with that, it's just a fact."
Telalovic could start for Rovers against Sunderland on Wednesday night with Sam Gallagher an injury doubt after he came off against Middlesbrough.
Callum Brittain is hopeful of keeping his place at right-back despite pressure from Joe Rankin-Costello. The defender was excellent against Middlesbrough and has started the last three Championship matches.
Brittain has been unfortunate with injuries since moving to Ewood Park last summer. The form of Rankin-Costello has also kept him out the side.
Now, he's back showing his best form for Rovers which has delighted Tomasson.
"I totally agree (about his displays)," Tomasson said. "When you come into a new club, Callum said it himself, it's difficult to get used to a new way of playing.
"You have new team-mates, it's a new area. It's taken him some time. We shouldn't forget he's been injured a lot, normally he is never injured!
"Last season was very frustrating for Callum but I agree he played a very good game today."
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