Simon Grayson admits watching son Joe make his Rovers debut was a more nerve-wracking experience than any of his time playing or managing.

When Joe featured for Rovers in the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City last month, the Graysons became the first father and son pairing to represent the club for 89 years.

Grayson junior made his Rovers bow some 19 years after his dad pulled on the blue and white halves for the first time in a 0-0 draw with Port Vale.

Simon had more than 200 career appearances to his name when he first appeared for Rovers in 1999, while Joe, aged 19, is looking to make strides in the professional game.

He is expected to be among the starting line-up for today’s Lancashire Senior Cup tie with Preston at Rovers’ Academy Centre, Brockhall (1pm), a club close to his dad after serving as manager for four years.

But reflecting on a history-making evening at Ewood Park, Simon said: “I’ve managed for 13 years and played in the Premier League, so I know a bit about pressure, but I’ve never been so nervous before a game.

“It is a big day for any dad when he sees his son play his first professional game and naturally you want to see him do well.

“It was a strange feeling sat in the stand, though, because when you’re a manager you can control the destiny of a match to a certain extent, by a tactical switch or with advice.

“But looking down at the game watching Joe then it felt a completely different experience indeed.

“I settled down after about half an hour, though.

“It was definitely a more entertaining game than when I made my debut for Leeds at 17 – a 0-0 draw with Huddersfield – a real classic!”

Joe is a product of the Moorland School Football Academy and signed scholarship forms for Blackburn at 15 while still studying at the Clitheroe School.

He was a regular for Damien Johnson’s title-winning Under-23s team last season, playing on the left side of a back three.

And dad Simon admits he has been brought up around the game.

“Joe had a very good grounding at Moorland under the coach, Charlie Jackson, and it was a very influential time for him there,” he added.

“Joe’s been around football all his life, coming to matches with me, seeing how a dressing room works, so he is used to that environment.

“He is hungry to learn, has a very good work ethic and is keen to improve every day.

“Joe knows the hard work needed to succeed and this is just the start for him.

“I’m very proud of him and I just want to see him be happy in what he does.”

Moorland School spokesman Carl Lightbown said: “Everybody at Moorland and at the Moorland Academy are thrilled for Joe.

“It is a testament that Joe is held in high esteem by Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray and shows the progress he has made since leaving Moorland following his GCSE results.”