OWEN Coyle says Blackburn Rovers’ focus has quickly turned to their 15 ‘cup finals’ in the Championship after their FA Cup journey was ended by Manchester United.

Rovers put in a spirited display against the holders, who needed the introduction of star names Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic before eventually seeing off Coyle’s side in front of almost 24,000 fans at Ewood Park.

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The United FA Cup defeat was the first of eight games in 27 days that could well shape Rovers’ season in their battle to beat the drop.

Despite the terrific display against Jose Mourinho’s men, which saw them edged out 2-1, Coyle admits the focus has quickly turned to Friday’s crucial game at fellow strugglers Burton Albion.

“Our cup finals now start at Burton Albion on Friday,” Coyle said.

“Our focus has quickly moved to Burton and if we perform at the same level (as against Manchester United) then we will get enough points to get ourselves to safety.

“We go there and then have three big home games with points on offer.

“Days like Sunday help you to do that because it gives you that belief.

“How we went about it was a credit to every one of the players.

“We have been decimated by injury and suspension but what that did do, it gave us belief that we are a good side.

“The important thing now is putting that in to practice in the Championship and that starts on Friday night.”

Rovers led in the first-half through Danny Graham’s 12th goal of the season.

The 31-year-old scored with a sweet left-foot strike which came on the end of an excellent through ball from Marvin Emnes after he had given Marcus Rojo the slip.

Mourinho showed his approval of the goal by clapping the Rovers opener, and Coyle admits the United boss was very complimentary about his side.

“He certainly felt we were worthy of another go at it, and he thought he performed really well, which is always nice,” Coyle revealed.

“He said that he had watched a number of our games and was complimentary about us.

“The important thing is that nice words are what they are, it’s using those now to move forward and make sure we perform at these levels week in week out.

“We are all football men and appreciate good football.

“I watched some of Manchester United’s stuff and as horrible as it is against your team, it is fantastic to see the quality they have.”

Rovers will now dust themselves down, and assess the players, some of who were out on the feet come the final whistle, before the trip to the Pirelli Stadium.

Coyle was without eight first-team players through injury and unavailability against United, and will be hoping to have not added to that absentee list after Sunday’s effort.

The Burton trip is followed by a trio of consecutive home games against Derby, Wigan and Cardiff.

“What we have to do is make sure we have that level of performance week in, week out,” Coyle added.

“That’s what we have to bring to each game.

“We will be in today and the minds will be on Friday and being ready to go.

“We have some big games coming up, three home games in a row and a game in hand, and we have to be ready to capitalise on those.”