John Eustace heaped praise on Blackburn Rovers for their character after responding to Wednesday night's 5-0 defeat with a stunning win at Leeds United.

Rovers became the first side to win at Elland Road this season after producing a performance that could secure their Championship safety. The win moves them six points of the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's 3pm kick-offs.

It was chalk and cheese from the display at Ashton Gate. Rovers defended their box for their lives and when their big chance came, Sam Szmodics made no mistake to hit 30 for the season.

Eustace was delighted with the application of his team after coming back from Wednesday night's disappointment. He insisted they are not safe yet but this was a big step in the right direction.

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"I am very proud of the effort," Eustace said.

"The effort these boys have given me since I came in has been outstanding. To come back from the defeat on Wednesday night in the style we did, with a day's less rest and preparation, to come here and play like we did was good.

"We knew they would take more risk as the game went on and it was a fantastic bit of play to create the goal. I am delighted with the effort and I am very, very proud of them.

"We have a quality team, on Wednesday we had a blip. It certainly is not a performance I'm part of (I accept). 

"I think it's very evident since I came in, we are difficult to play against. Wednesday, we were all very disappointed but nobody got carried away, just like we won't today with the highs.

"We just keep working hard, sticking together and we have three massive games left. We are not there yet, we need more points. We will enjoy today but be ready to go again next week."

The goal that won the game for Rovers was a fantastic piece of quality. Sam Gallagher won the flick-on, Tyrhys Dolan brought it down and weighted his pass to perfection for Szmodics to finish.

That was Szmodics' 30th goal of the season, the first Rovers player to hit that landmark since Alan Shearer in 1996. 

"It was a wonderful finish," Eustace said, reflecting on the goal.

"I have spoken about other people being clinical and we're waiting for them to step up to it although we've looked dangerous.

"Sammie, without his goals, we really would have been in trouble. He is a fantastic player and the rest of the group deserves credit too for creating the chances for him.

"He has taken them but it's been a group effort as well."