OWEN Coyle hailed a much-improved performance from his Rovers side after Sam Gallagher’s double earned them a win over Nottingham Forest that lifts them out of the relegation zone.

The on-loan striker struck twice in an impressive first-half display as Coyle’s side finally clicked into gear following two defeats and a stinker of a draw with Ipswich on Saturday.

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And even though they conceded a sloppy late goal, they fully deserved the three points.

Coyle said afterwards: “The most important thing was just to win the game after Saturday, and we will take that. What was good was not just the three points; we were outstanding tonight. The level of play, the speed of movement - they were all there in abundance.

“We came in at half-time 2-0 up and we should have had three or four. We had to stand up in the second half, but we should have had two clear penalties and I have no idea why they were not given. The fans who came were also outstanding.

“They got behind the boys and I cannot tell you how important that is.”

On Gallagher he added: “They were both fantastic finishes, but also quality team goals.”