NEW fan favourite Sam Gallagher has urged Blackburn Rovers to build on their first victory of the Championship season.

The young striker scored his third goal in six starts since signing on a season-long loan from Southampton to seal Saturday’s rousing 4-2 home victory over Rotherham United.

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Rovers resume their league programme at surprise strugglers Derby County on Saturday after making their way to Leeds United tomorrow for an EFL Cup third-round tie.

And Gallagher, who turned 21 on Thursday, said: “Three points was the main objective and we went out there and put a great performance together and got what we wanted.

“That’s the nitty gritty. You’d rather not play well in games and get the three points. We’ve been doing the opposite and putting good performances together but not getting the results.

“So to have a good performance and the three points was perfect. Now we just need to do it more often.

“It’s all about momentum. Getting those first three points are the hardest ones to get so hopefully more will come.”

After losing five and drawing two of their first seven matches of the Championship campaign Rovers fell behind in the 12th minute on Saturday.

However they roared into the lead through goals from Craig Conway, Marvin Emnes and Ben Marshall before Danny Ward netted his second of the game to threaten to set up a tense finish.

But nerves were calmed when Gallagher converted a cross from strike-partner Emnes to get the goal his man-of-the-match performance deserved.

“That’s the kind of character you need throughout the team,” said the England Under-20 international, who was serenaded with ‘ooh aah Gallagher’ chants from the Ewood Park faithful.

“You didn’t see anyone’s heads drop. You saw when we went 1-0 down we picked ourselves up and we had real encouragement from the management and the captain.

“It’s definitely a good sign.”

Gallagher had saw a series of shots saved and a header come back off the woodwork before he struck in injury-time.

And he said: “I was pleased to get the goal at the end as it just topped it all off.

“I had a header that hit the post and I thought it might not be my day to get on the scoresheet.

“But thankfully Marvin put one on a plate for me. If I’d missed that it certainly wouldn’t have been my day!

“But it went in and it was a great feeling.

“I’m really enjoying the training, the games, and the atmosphere at Ewood Park like today. We just need more days like that.”

Gallagher was convinced to join Owen Coyle’s side after seeking the advice of Southampton team-mate Jay Rodriguez.

Rovers boss Coyle, who worked with Rodriguez at Burnley, said: “Sam had a loan spell last season (at MK Dons), which didn’t work out for many reasons, but I sat with him, spoke with him and convinced him that Blackburn Rovers would be good for him.

“I told him that he could help me and I could help him and, having looked at some of the strikers I’ve worked with, like Jay Rodriguez at Burnley, he spoke to Jay and he said, ‘he’ll help you and really improve your game’.

“I’m just pleased the kid is showing such a high level of performance. As much as you can try and impart a bit of knowledge and experience the biggest single person is the lad himself because when he crosses that line he’s got to deliver.

“And both himself and Emnes were outstanding.”