Blackburn Rovers benefitted from a few extra days to recover after illness in their camp last week.

John Eustace revealed that several first-team players were fighting the cold but would have still been available had Saturday's game with Portsmouth gone ahead.

Eustace feels Rovers have benefitted from the rest and recovery over the 18-day break before they face Middlesbrough on Wednesday evening.

"It has been a while now but we've been able to do some good sessions and been able to rest a few who needed it.

READ MORE: Portsmouth boss defends Rovers after 'unplayable' conditions

"We've had two weeks for the international break, the lads needed a rest. It's only a couple of extra days but it's given us some good time on the training pitch.

"We had a few that were really struggling for the weekend too due to illness in the camp. Now everyone is back and available.

"We had some sickness at the end of the week. They were still available but they weren't fully fit and this extra couple of days means they're now in a better place."

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho admitted that the Ewood Park pitch was unplayable due to gathering water in the centre. The drainage could have potentially caused issues with the River Darwen banks and with no sign of the rain stopping, there was little choice.

Eustace revealed the team trained in the afternoon whilst he made it to Oxford United with ten minutes to spare to watch Middlesbrough's 6-2 victory.

The head coach was keen to praise the ground staff at the stadium and training ground after minimal disruption throughout the week, despite the snowy conditions.

"We had a very good week of training and we were looking forward to the game," Eustace said.

"It was at 10am that I was told to come down and there was going to be a pitch inspection. The game was unplayable, there was so much water on the pitch when we got there at 10:30am and the rain wasn't going to stop.

"Everyone was very disappointed that we couldn't get the game on. We came back to the training ground and trained in the afternoon which was really important.

"The effort of the ground staff all week, especially here at the training ground, has been phenomenal. We've been allowed to train every day despite the snow and the conditions. They have worked tirelessly to make sure the boys could work properly.

"We were disappointed that we couldn't get the game on but the staff at the football club are top draw and tried everything to make sure the lads had a good week and then to get the game on."