LUCAS Joao believes his close relationship with strike partner Marvin Emnes can be beneficial to Blackburn Rovers in their relegation run in.

The pair started the 2-2 draw with Preston North End last time out and could be partnered alongside each other for Saturday’s trip to Brighton.

They have struck up a strong bond off the pitch since Joao arrived on loan from Sheffield Wednesday in January, the day before Emnes secured his return to Ewood Park from Swansea.

Joao scored three times in two substitute outings against Norwich and Fulham which earned him a starting spot against Preston in which he twice went close to adding to his tally.

And the 23-year-old said: “Me and Marvin we have a good relationship. We are good friends.

“We speak every day, all day, and are good friends.

“I think that can help on the pitch.

“He’s an experienced guy, he has been at the club before, and he has helped me adapt.

“He’s helped me on and off the pitch.”

Joao, who is on loan until the end of the season, had played just twice for Rovers prior to his brace at Norwich on March 11 which he followed up with a last-gasp equaliser at Fulham three days later.

He had become a peripheral figure at Hillsborough prior to leaving on loan and his previous start in the Championship came back in December.

And the Portuguese appreciates the opportunity he has been handed at Ewood Park.

“The result was disappointing, we played very well, but sometimes that happens in football,” Joao said reflecting on the Preston draw.

“It had been a long, long time since I started but Rovers gave me the opportunity and I enjoyed it.

“Rovers gave me the opportunity to do my job and I want to try and help the team.

“This is why I’m here, to help the Rovers.”

Since his equaliser for Wednesday against Rovers in November 2015, Joao had scored just twice for his parent club.

So he was delighted to be back among the goals, but quick to praise the work of his team-mates.

“It was not only me – to score the goals I need to have the help of my colleagues,” said Joao who was speaking during an after school football session at Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackburn.

“I have to say thank you to them for their help.

“I am so happy, I have been lucky to score the goals and trying to do better and better.”

His late equaliser for Rovers at Craven Cottage on March 14 helped keep his parent club in the top six, and the forward added: “If I have the opportunity to help both teams I will be happy.

“I have a contract with Sheffield Wednesday and I am here at Rovers so if I can help both then I will be so happy.”