John Eustace wants to use Blackburn Rovers' performance against Newcastle United as a springboard but insists they will not get ahead of themselves with 12 gruelling games remaining.

Rovers took Newcastle all the way to penalties, producing their best display of the Eustace era. They played fantastic football to match their defensive resilience and commitment to keep the ball out of their net.

It has renewed confidence in the fan base that the team will avoid relegation this season. Rovers are 16th but only four points above the relegation zone in what is a tight battle down at the bottom.

The team have three decisive fixtures against Swansea City, Millwall and Plymouth Argyle in the next 10 days which will have a huge bearing on their season.

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Eustace insists the team will not get ahead of themselves after the Newcastle display but want to use that as a benchmark going forward.

"We'll have to wait and see, is a work in progress," Eustace said. 

"We have been here for five games, the Championship is relentless. We've had six games in 18 days.

"The commitment that the lads have shown me, they are a good, young, hungry group with some good experience.

"We are working hard and taking each game as it comes. I'm not looking at the league table at the moment. I am worrying about the next game, which is Swansea, a difficult game that we'll be ready for.

“I think if you are going to be successful, you need time to build and put your plans in place. As I said, the Championship is relentless and you can have a run of four, five or six games without a win. 

"It is just important that everyone keeps on the same page, keeps level headed and doesn’t get too carried away with the highs or the lows.”

"Yeah, absolutely, of course it is," Eustace added when asked if this was a benchmark for the future.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work. We need time on the training field but you can see with the games that we're playing that the group is gelling to what we want and how we want to play.

"It's small steps. We're playing a good team, a great atmosphere tonight. I thought the fans played a big part. I was very proud of their effort, it really helped us perform.

"It's important we show that never-say-die attitude, something I want to bring to this group of players. It's the second time we have come from behind at home.

"We are making small steps, this group is taking everything we want on board. I was very proud of everyone.

"We have to use the whole squad, I said that from the moment I came in, it's not about any individual player. There will be suspensions and injuries and everyone has to feel part of this family.

"It is a family that we are growing. I want as much positivity around the place as we can have. That is the only way we will move forward."