BLACKBURN Rovers boss Michael Appleton believes this afternoon's 2-1 defeat to Charlton will be helpful in the long run.

Appleton's Rovers bow ended in defeat, as Charlton ended the hosts' four match unbeaten streak

"It was frustrating, but it was helpful," Appleton said.

"It has given me an idea of the players who are going to be able to cope with the pressures that come with playing for the football club.

"I've just said to the players that we are a big fish in a smaller pond to what they were used to playing in last and previous seasons and you've got to be able to cope with the pressures that come with that.

"You've got to be brave, you've got to want to get on the ball, you've got to play with an urgency and we struggled a little bit today with that.

"Also you've to keep it nice and tight and the goals that we've given away, one is a wonder strike, but the second one was disappointing to concede."