John Eustace believes Blackburn Rovers' triple substitution changed the match and swung the momentum back in their favour against Derby County.

Rovers struggled to continue their fine first-half performance after the restart. The Rams were the stronger team and the goal was coming, with Curtis Nelson heading in an equaliser.

That came moments after Eustace introduced Andi Weimann, Sam Szmodics and Yuki Ohashi, who all went on to score in a breath-taking 12-minute spell which took the game away from Derby.

Eustace felt the experience of the trio, as well as the energy they provided, was the game-changing moment.

READ MORE: RAMS BOSS HIGHLIGHTS ROVERS 'CHEAT CODES' WHICH SWUNG THE GAME

"When you bring experience like that off the bench at vital times, they don't panic and they're settled," Eustace explained.

"That allows others to relax and get back on the ball. That's what happened tonight, the substitutes were top draw and that's very pleasing to see.

"When you bring three players of that ilk and the experience they have, it calms you back down. The first 15 minutes of the second half, we didn't play any football. 

"We allowed Derby to take a hold of the game, the goal was coming, I was just waiting to make the changes so we could get a grip of it again.

"The way we controlled it after that was very pleasing. We got back on the ball and played some good football. We always looked a threat on the transition.

"It's about the squad, it always is about the squad. If you're going to do anything in the Championship it's about how good your squad is and building it correctly.

"You need the right experience, those right characters. I have spoken about building the right squad and players like Andi are a big part of that, he's a fantastic lad.

"He's going to make it a happy dressing room. People can learn from him and that can only help."

Rovers came out of the blocks really quickly and dominated the opening 30 minutes. Tyrhys Dolan netted a deserved opener and the intensity at which the hosts played particularly impressed.

A few tired legs crept in at the end of that half and then in the second, with Eustace still trying to get his squad to match speed. The changes on the hour were pre-planned but he was happy with the start they made.

Conceding from two set-pieces was the only frustration for the Rovers head coach.

"I thought we were very, very good for the first 30 minutes, I was really pleased with the way we set the tone, it's how we want to play," he added.

"I thought the last 15 minutes of the first half there were a few tired legs, we dropped off but defended well when we had to. At half-time, there were a few messages that the lads had to take on board.

"When you have three or four that are still struggling to get up to the speed of the game over 90 minutes, the lads were always going to drop at some stage.

"The plan was always to make changes on 60 minutes to get that emphasis and energy back into the team and I felt we did that.

"We conceded but when you make three changes on a set-piece, that's always difficult. After they scored, we continued to control the game for 10, 15 minutes.

"The set-pieces were disappointing, we want to pride ourselves on that. We limited to nothing apart from that. They're very good from set-pieces so it's disappointing from that view.

"This is the start, there is a lot of work ahead of us. I thought every player on the pitch was outstanding."

Ewood Park felt unified on opening night. The atmosphere, particularly when Szmodics entered the fray and then scored, was electric and helped the team over the line.

Eustace was full of praise for the supporters and reiterated how important they will be for Rovers this season, in the bad times even more than the good.

"When I came in last year, to be successful in anything, I said we have to be together," he reiterated.

"In the tough times and the bad, tonight is a good one but it's in the bad where we need everyone more than ever.

"It's a great start tonight. The fan base were with that team last year in those 17 games, they were amazing, home and away.

"They helped us over the line even in difficult nights where we didn't win at home and we got draws. Every point was vital and they were right behind us. Now it's time to build a proper football team again.

"We have to get the recruitment right and get the players that will make us a very competitive team.

"We want to create that team spirit, the togetherness between the fans and the players. That is what will get us through this season, home and away."