STEVE Kean wants Blackburn Rovers to build on their first clean sheet for three matches as they look to ease their away-day woes.

While the Rovers boss was disappointed with the overall performance in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle United, he insists the importance of their defensive shut out should not be under estimated.

Having lost 4-3 at Wigan the previous weekend, Rovers had been accused of being too open and Kean knows a defensive solidity is crucial for the matches ahead.

Rovers now don’t play at Ewood for five weeks, when Blackpool are the visitors, and face tough trips against Aston Villa and Fulham beforehand.

Kean said: “We do need to step up away from home.

"What we need to do is build on the clean sheet when we go to Villa.

“If we can have that as the main focus then hopefully the fact Villa might come out a bit more could create a little bit of space for us to exploit and try and get a few goals as well.”