Blackburn Rovers end of season report: Defence

Is prone to the odd rash challenge but important both offensively and defensively and has become even better with the responsibility of the captain’s armband.

Highlight: The opening goal in January’s 2-0 win at home to Fulham to end a nine-match winless streak.

Premier League record: P 29 (0), W 9, D, 10, L 10, A 35 pts 37 goals 4.

RYAN NELSEN: A-

Rovers’ New Zealand skipper has again enjoyed a good season and will be confident of holding off the challenge of youth next season.

His goal scoring record has improved dramatically this season and has certainly done his part in helping Rovers boast a decent defensive record this season.

Highlight: His first goal of the season in the important home win over Portsmouth in October.

Premier League record: P 28 (30), W 10, D 8, L 10, A 38, pts 38, Goals 4.

GAEL GIVET: A-

Has shown his versatility by performing solidly at centre back and full back – but it is on the left where he has really impressed this season.

Givet is your old fashioned no-nonsense defender and the fans love him for that.

What he lacks for in pace, he has more than made up for in effort and determination.

Has emerged as one of the side’s most consistent players again.

Highlight: Any of the big tackles put in by him at Ewood Park. The shuddering challenge on Gary Neville stands out though and did no harm in the popularity stakes either.

Premier League record: P 33 (1) W 11, D 10, L 13, A 45, pts 43 Goals 2.

MICHEL SALGADO: B

His Premier League debut was a nightmare 3-0 defeat at Everton and he didn’t start a league game again until he was selected to face Tottenham at Ewood Park in December, some three months later.

Allardyce stuck to his guns though and the 34-year-old former Spanish international has emerged as a regular, and is fast becoming a fans’ favourite at Ewood Park.

Highlight: Salgado made a mockery of his age with a pulsating performance in the 0-0 home draw with Manchester United in April. Has become a key player for Rovers.

Premier League record: P 20 (5), W 9, D 5, L, 7 A 20 pts 32 Goals scored 0.

PHIL JONES: B

What a find this boy appears to be.

Has been almost flawless in the games he has played and his performances have earned him a new five-year professional deal.

The 18-year-old has a battle ahead of him to become a regular next season, with Samba, Nelsen, Givet and fellow youngster Grant Hanley also strong contenders for the centre back berth.

Highlight: His man of the match Premier League debut against Chelsea. Truly outstanding from the teenager.

Premier League record: P 8 (1), W 4, D 4 , L 1, A 6, pts 16, Goals 0.

MARTIN OLSSON: B+

The young Swede has been a revelation ever since he broke into the first team earlier this season and has become a mainstay in the latter part of the campaign.

Started out at left back but has made the left midfield position his own and his energetic displays have been a key reason for Rovers’ impressive end to the season.

Highlight: His impressive showing at Villa Park in the FA Cup defeat in January.

Premier League record: P 20 (2), W 8, D 5, L 8, A 29 pts 29 goals 0.

LARS JACOBSEN: C

Was expected to be the club’s regular right back when he was snapped up on a free transfer from Everton in the summer and hasn’t let anyone down when he has played.

Injury and the emergence of Michel Salgado has hampered his season though and he will be determined to play more of a part next time round.

Highlight: His part in Rovers’ memorable victory over Burnley at Ewood Park.

Premier League record: P 13 (2), W 4, D, 2, L 7, A 26 pts 14 Goals: 0.

PASCAL CHIMBONDA: D

His versatility has seen him play central defence, right back and left back and was something of a regular in his first couple of seasons at the club.

While Salgado has got better and better, Chimbonda’s performances appear to have dropped off this season.

Highlight: A wonderful goal in Rovers’ 3-2 win over Burnley at Turf Moor in October.

Premier League record: P 24 (2) W 8, D, 7, L 9, A 31 pts 31 Goals: 1.