Dom Hyam outlined how 'proud' he was of Blackburn Rovers' reaction after responding in emphatic style at Leeds United.

John Eustace's side responded to a difficult night at Bristol City in the perfect manner, producing a brilliant display and winning 1-0 at Elland Road. 

Rovers, in turn, became the first away side to win at Leeds whilst giving their survival chances a shot in the arm. It was chalk and cheese compared to what they'd produced a few days ago.

Hyam was at the centre of that criticism after a bad performance, having set very high standards since arriving at the club. The captain was delighted with the response his team showed and reflected on a topsy-turvy week.

READ MORE: How Rovers beat Leeds from scouting mission and quietening the crowd

"Yeah, a massive result, a massive effort from everyone today," Hyam told RoversTV.

"It was a great reaction. Wednesday night was way, way below our standards. Myself included, more than anyone really.

"I am so proud of everyone involved today, it was a great day for the football club. Super proud.

"I think we were rightly criticised, we were way below standards. We talked about it needing to be a freak result and a one-off.

"There was no better reaction than that. What we put out on the pitch, we left everything out there. It means so much to me and all the lads and we've sent the fans home happy.

"Ever since the gaffer has come in, it's been about sticking together, doing the hard yards for each other on the pitch. We don't care about anyone else, we're doing this for ourselves and for the club.

"Life could be so much worse. We are professional footballers. I am proud of the lads and I think pulling through together got us over the line."

Rovers went to Elland Road with a game plan to frustrate and contain Leeds. Having navigated through the first 20 minutes, errors crept in from the hosts and spaces started to open up.

There had been a few openings already when the big moments fell to the right man with 10 minutes left to play. It was a great team move and a confident finish by Szmodics.

Rovers saw the match out, recording their fourth clean sheet since Eustace has taken over. The head coach has had an instant impact on making the team more defensively sound.

"We wanted to frustrate them, they're a good team with Premier League players all over the pitch," Hyam explained.

"If you go toe-to-toe with them, most teams lose. Four of five have drawn so to come away from here with three points, I am so proud of the lads.

"Everyone wrote us off in the media and on Sky, it was all about Leeds. We were here to show what we're made of too. I'm so proud of the lads.

"We spoke about immediate wins and what we could fix sooner rather than later. Like any manager who comes in, you want to shore up the defence first because it's the easiest thing to do, be more solid and harder to score against.

"I am delighted with that. A big performance from Pears and the whole back five, the whole team. I am very delighted for Pearsy."

"I don't think there's anyone I'd like on that ball other than Sammie at the moment. Especially in the Championship," Hyam added on his team-mate, who hit 30 goals for the season with that strike.

"He has been electric all season, magnificent. If he doesn't win Player of the Year, I'll be very surprised. I have full confidence in him, you put a game plan together and hope you'll get a few chances like that. There is no better player for it to fall to than Sammie.

"It's been unbelievable. He keeps talking about a purple patch but it's the longest one ever recorded. I am very proud of him, he's a great character in the dressing room.

"An even bigger character on the pitch. He is a leader and he gets us the goals. I am delighted for him."

The win puts Rovers within touching distance of safety, with a five-point cushion over the bottom three. If they beat Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, they will be safe.

In truth, a point might be enough too. Like Eustace, Hyam admitted that regardless of Rovers' week, a lot rests on the result at Ewood Park.

"Having been on the other side of it, it's a psychological blow when the team you're rooting against get the win," he explained.

" It's a feeling that you have to go and win. It's by no means done (survival), we have three big games. If we show what we showed today, we'll be alright.

"It's been a sticky season, there haven't been many good times but I think this game will be remembered for years to come. Maybe the week in general, it's the Championship written all over.

"The Sheffield Wednesday game was a huge match before kick-off and it's a huge game now. We have a few days off then a full week into that game and we want three points again."