Callum Brittain has urged Blackburn Rovers to continue playing to their strengths after their 'back-to-basics' approach against Stoke City.

Rovers played far more direct against the Potters and it proved effective as they raced into a three-goal lead. The first two goals came from crosses via Brittain whilst the third was a goal-kick, flick-on and clever finish by Tyrhys Dolan.

After playing a more possession-heavy style under Jon Dahl Tomasson, there was a noticeable change against Stoke. Rovers were far happier to move the ball back to front quicker and it caused problems for the opposition.

Brittain believes Rovers haven't played to their strengths enough this season, particularly utilising the physical attributes of Sam Gallagher.

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"We call him (Gallagher) the horse, he's a workhorse," Brittain said.

"I thought he was outstanding today, he won every header, ran in-behind, worked for the team and did the ugly bits.

"He's not just a big man, I'll tell you that. Tyrhys around him too, big credit. So good to have them back.

"I think it's something we needed to get back, back to basics. Keeping a structure and using our strengths.

"Gally, we have him in the team for a reason, let's use him properly. Tyrhys ratting around him, Joe running up and down and Sonny staying and keeping hold of them game, then me and Hedgey offering energy.

"We had the three at the back to shore it up. I thought it worked really well, I thought we were a threat. We worked our socks off.

"As a group, we have spoken in the last week about using Gally's strengths. Hedgey coming in at the back post, we don't do it enough.

"I think we turn down crosses and we come out too much. We want to put the ball in dangerous areas and we did, it caused problems.

"We haven't done that enough this season. It worked well for the goal, great flick by Gally and finish by Tyrhys."

After a tumultuous week for everyone connected at Blackburn Rovers, ending an eight-game winning run was the perfect tonic ahead of John Eustace taking the reigns.

"It feels unbelievable, it's been a long time coming, Brittain added on the win.

"It's something we have deserved, we put a lot of hard work in today.

"The boys worked extremely hard. We won our duels and played forward, we played with confidence and the goals came.

"I am buzzing. It's not been a quiet week, a bit unusual, we've had to deal with a lot of things as a club, as players. To get that win today, it's a relief and something we deserve.

"We have a young group and when we go on a run like we have with things going on, it's tough. We got our head around it, we went out and we're so happy to get the win."

Brittain played an instrumental role in the first two goals, delivering superb crosses from the right side. It's a part of his game that he feels hasn't been exploited enough.

"I think it is a strength for me, crossing. It wasn't something the last gaffer wanted, it was a different style," he explained.

"It was nice to have some freedom today and try to provide. That's what I want to do for this team.

"The manager (Eustace) told us to take the shackles off, I think we did that today. I'm very excited to work under him."

On the penalty incident, he added: "It probably was, I got the wrong side. It's sloppy on my behalf and I love you, Aynsley Pears! When he saved it, I could have cried.

"It was a lack of concentration, he got in between me and I have to do better next time. Pearsy stepped up when we needed him and I'm over the moon."