BRETT Emerton has backed fellow Aussie Vince Grella to make the most of Blackburn Rovers’ injury problems and become a fans favourite in the process.

Grella is waiting to make an impact for Rovers after completing a £4million transfer from Torino in August.

The 29-year-old anchorman picked up a calf injury just 45 minutes into his debut at West Ham, but is ready for his comeback after making the bench in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Bolton.

Despite his limited appearances to date, Grella has quickly warmed himself to Rovers supporters.

He underlined his tough-guy character by making himself available for the home defeat against Manchester United earlier this month - while far from match-fit - and withdrew from Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Qatar in order to reach peak fitness for Rovers.

But Emerton insists his countryman is now desperate to showcase his ability and prove his worth to the club as Paul Ince’s men adapt without injured midfielders Steven Reid and David Dunn.

And once Grella fires on all cylinders, Socceroos team-mate Emerton is confident that he will become a popular figure on the terraces.

“Vince is a fantastic player,” said Emerton. “Unfortunately, the Blackburn fans haven’t had much of an opportunity to see that as yet.

“Knowing Vince, he is definitely looking at the situation as an opportunity to get himself some game-time and show the fans what he is all about.

“He can put a tackle in when he needs to, but he's very comfortable on the ball and his distribution and range of passing is second to none. I think the fans can expect to see that of him.

Emerton added: “I hope he becomes a popular player with the fans here, he’s got the ability to do that.

“He was unfortunate to pick up an injury so early into his Blackburn career, but there’s plenty of time for him to make up for that and I’m sure he will.”

With Reid out for the rest of the season following the recurrence of a knee injury, and Dunn expected to return from an Achilles probem in January, Emerton admits he must take on added responsibility as one of the club’s more experienced midfielders.

But he believes there is enough strength in depth at Rovers to cover for the loss of the influential duo.

“I’m 29 now and have been at Blackburn for a while,” he said.

“I think there is a responsibility on me to do my best - for myself personally - and for the team as well.

“But I feel we can cope with the injuries. Obviously, Steven and Dunny are two big losses for us because both are such fantastic players.

“But the one great thing about the squad this year is that we’ve got strength in depth, especially in the midfield area.

“There’s numerous players that can step in and do a good job. I suppose that’s one positive we can take from the negative.”