Blackburn Rovers Under-21s assistant head coach Mark Burton has praised their resilience after securing a late win against OCG Nice.

Rovers had led for most of the match thanks to Harrison Wood's first-half strike. The goal came during a dominant start to the game, with Rovers on top for 25 minutes.

Nice came back into the game and had several big chances. Rovers were indebted to 16-year-old goalkeeper Nicolas Malineck for keeping them ahead in the game.

The French side didn't create much in the second half but got level when the goalkeeper made an unfortunate error, giving them a simple equaliser. Rovers rallied and in stoppage time, Wood's cross was diverted in for an own goal.

"I think we did deserve it, we started the game very well," Burton said. "In the first 20, 25 minutes, I thought we caused  Nice problems with our movements, connections in midfield, transitions.

"We lost our way a little bit because of their change in shape and we didn't solve that problem. We rode our luck a little at the end of the first half but we came in 1-0 and we were pleased.

"We spoke to the lads and sometimes when you play a certain way, a football club plays a certain way, there will be mistakes. Usually, when you are trying to play and your goalkeeper or centre-half makes a mistake, it results in a goal.

"They have to learn from that, get better. When they equalised, we gave it a go and there was a belief to get a winner to get Nic (Nicolas Machalski), who did alright in the game, you could see the relief on his face. Sometimes that happens and you have to get your mates out of stuck."

The win gives Rovers a fighting chance of qualifying for the next round. Having lost to Hertha Berlin in their first match, three points was vital.

They still have PSV and Sparta Prague to face as they hope to make the knock-out stages. After missing out on goal difference last year, Burton gave his views on the competition and the balance of developing players versus results.

"I think this tournament should be an Under-21 tournament. The best young players in Europe play against each other," he said. "They play under the lights at Ewood.

"We have to think about the good things, the relisence, the character. Win at all costs, no, you have to play to the club's principles, it is development football but you have to win games.

"We try to do things the right way and the win means we can qualify for the next round. Last year we missed out on goal difference. We have two tough games that if we win, we can qualify.

"It's a great tournament, some of the best games were in this cup last year. You play different players, styles, cultures. The players adapt to that and grow in the competition. It's brilliant for them to face European opposition."