MATT Kilgallon is prepared to be patient in his quest for regular football at Blackburn Rovers – knowing his chance may come during the Christmas period.

Kilgallon has not started a match since Rovers’ 3-0 defeat at Brighton in early November, having initially kept out Grant Hanley on the Scot’s return from a three-match suspension.

But Rovers face five games in 15 days over festive period and fellow centre back Scott Dann is only one booking away from having to serve a one-match ban for five yellow cards.

The skipper will only avoid suspension if he is not booked in the next three games, with an amnesty coming into force on December 31.

Dann and Hanley have formed a strong central defensive partnership for much of the past 18 months, and played together in Saturday’s 3-2 home win over Millwall.

“There are two lads there who are playing well,” Kilgallon said.

“They kept the club up last season when Blackburn were struggling and weren’t doing very well.

“When I signed, the gaffer said to me that they had done well for us last season.

“He said it would be harsh for me to go straight in there, so I’ve just got to be patient.

“With injuries and suspensions and this time of year you can be playing before you know it.

“My chance will come soon.”

Kilgallon was an unused substitute in the victory over Millwall and hopes Rovers can continue that sort of form, having also drawn 0-0 at promotion favourites QPR a week earlier.

Gary Bowyer’s side travel to Yeovil Town on Saturday before hosting Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day.

Rovers currently sit 11th in the Championship table, six points behind the play-off places.

“I’d love to be involved but as long as we keep winning that’s the main thing,” Kilgallon said.

“We’ve got another two games now that’s it possible to win.

“Three wins on the bounce would be massive in this league.”

Bowyer said: “We’ve been talking about going game by game and that’s what we’ll continue to do.

“With a couple of games in quick succession, if you can get the right results you can quickly climb up the table.

“But we’ll go game by game and hopefully we can pick up the points as and when we put in the performances.

“The league is very competitive but it’s important we just concentrate on ourselves and put a run together.”