PORTSMOUTH manager Tony Pulis pointed to his rearranged defence as a major factor behind their Ewood Park drubbing.

Pulis was forced to draft in midfielder Shaun Derry into the centre of defence alongside Darren Moore and central defender David Waterman was moved out into the right full back position.

Derry gave the free kick away which led to the first, while Waterman was comprehensively beaten by Ostenstad in the build-up to the second.

He said: "We've had to make two changes on the right side of defence, asking players to play positions they are not used to. We haven't got that other centre half.

"The first two goals were bad goals to concede and once they got their noses in front it was very difficult stopping them.

"They played the ball about very well and it was difficult stopping them. "Blackburn's performance was a lot better than ours. They have got the depth of squad for us to come up and play a reserve team."

Rovers keeper John Filan, preferred to Alan Kelly was happy to be back in first team action - despite his inaction during the game.

He said: "I thought our midfield and defence were solid and boys up front scored good goals.

"I don't know whether I will play on Saturday, I just play when I'm told."