OWEN Coyle was pleased by what he viewed as an improved performance but disappointed by the defending which ensured rock-bottom Blackburn Rovers had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to Burton Albion.

Rovers seemed set to be heading for their first Championship win of the season following three straight defeats after Craig Conway opened his account for the campaign and summer signing Sam Gallagher scored his first goal for the club.

But, after Jackson Irvine was allowed a free run to cancel out Conway’s stunning opener, Tom Naylor rose above the otherwise impressive senior debutant Scott Wharton to earn promoted Burton a share of the spoils two minutes from the end of normal time.

Rovers boss Coyle, whose side host Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup on Tuesday before welcoming Fulham to Ewood Park next Saturday, said: “Having got ourselves into two good positions we should have seen the game out and got the three points I felt we maybe were worthy of.

“There was a lot of be pleased about, there were a lot of positives to take from the game, but when you don’t get that two-goal cushion, there’s always going to be that nervousness and edginess, particularly late on in the game, and that’s what happened.

“We had one or two opportunities to get that cushion, which would have been invaluable, but you’ve got to see games out.

“Jackson Irvine scored a very similar goal in Burton’s win in the week over Sheffield Wednesday. The boys were aware of that. And then we were done by a late corner.

“But I still think there was a lot to be pleased about and it gives us a platform to kick on.

“We felt we should have got the three points but we move into the two home games looking to get two wins.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Wharton, an 18-year-old Blackburn-born centre-back who has risen through the club’s Academy ranks, was handed his professional debut with Shane Duffy suspended.

And Coyle, who praised the support of the fans, said: “Not just because of his age and because it was his debut, but I thought he was the outstanding player on the field.

“I told him yesterday that he’d be playing because I wanted to prepare him. We showed him the players he’d be up against with the analysis team. He’s such a conscientious young lad and he wanted to soak it all up.

“And, while we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves, I’ve got no doubt he’s got a good future.

“He’s a very humble guy. He’s well balanced. His brothers play as well. He’s got a terrific support set with his family, which we all need, and as soon as I looked at him, I liked him.

“The way he goes about it is nothing flashy but you also saw his passing range today.

“Anybody who faces Chris O’Grady has to stand up to him and I thought Scott did that. I thought he was outstanding.”