Three talking points from Blackburn Rovers' midweek defeat to Brighton

SHOULD Wes Brown get the nod over Scott Wharton against Reading on Saturday, Rovers will name a 10th central back pairing in 24 games.

There have also been plenty of changes at full-back, playing a part in Rovers keeping just two clean sheets so far this season. It’s a record they simply must improve.

Long-term injuries to Tommie Hoban and Elliott Ward haven’t helped, while Charlie Mulgrew picked up his groin injury just as his fledgling partnership with Darragh Lenihan showed promise.

Replacing Shane Duffy and Grant Hanley was always going to be tough, but a lack of stability in the back four is making it that much harder.

AREA TO ADDRESS

IT has been particularly noticeable in the last three games how easy the opposition have found it to drive through the heart of the Rovers side.

Huddersfield, Preston, and now Brighton, all enjoyed success when carrying the ball through the middle of the park.

Owen Coyle turned to Hope Akpan to try and turn the tide, while Jack Byrne and Danny Guthrie continue to wait for their chances.

An answer to the midfield problems must be found soon.

EMPTY EWOOD

DESPITE going in to the game unbeaten in five in front of their own fans, just 9,976 turned out for the visit of high-flying Brighton, including 476 travelling supporters.

It was not only the lowest home crowd of the season but the lowest attendance at Ewood for a league match since November 2, 1991. That also came against Brighton, though Kenny Dalglish’s side won 1-0 that night

There were signs of frustration from the fans on Tuesday night, but this is a crowd that will back their players if they have something to shout about, as shown by the react-ion to Sam Gallagher’s first goal.