Jon Dahl Tomasson identified Ryan Hedges as a player who could provide the ‘solution’ for Rovers out of possession as the attacker clocked up two assists in the win over Swansea City.
Hedges showed his tenacity off the ball to set up the opening goal for debutant Sam Szmodics, but it was the quality of his left foot that set up the second for Ben Brereton.
The 27-year-old had to be patient for opportunities following his January move from Aberdeen, but having finished the season with impressive displays in wins at Preston North End and Birmingham City, he has carried that form into this season.
Hedges has been used centrally by Tomasson in the opening two matches, with the head coach stating: “I think if you look at the game-plan you knew they had lots of movement and Ryan is a clever player.
“It was the right solution because he’s clever and can be that solution defensively and do the right things at the right moment which is what we saw.
“Then when we have the ball you can see his quality."
Tomasson included new signings Callum Brittain and Szmodics from the start, while loanee Tyler Morton made his debut off the bench.
Hedges is one of those inherited by Tomasson who has been handed a new lease of life under the head coach.
“Of course I did my homework before coming to Blackburn Rovers regarding formations, the way of playing and the players,” he added.
“Ryan came in in the winter, he didn’t have many games but played at the end a bit.
“You need to settle when you come to a new club but I think he’s had two games so far.
Szmodics tucked home Rovers’ opener after good work by Hedges on his first outing.
It was the perfect start for the 26-year-old who joined the club from Peterborough United on Monday.
“A great start for the boy,” Tomasson added.
“Ryan did very well in that situation, stayed calm and played the ball to him because he was in a better position. He of course needed to be in that position.
“It was great for Sam and all the other players have taken care of him.
“Team is number one.
“We need to help each other, that togetherness is important, we need to create that between the players, as staff and the fans.”
Szmodics started alongside Hedges in a central attacking two, flanked by Sam Gallagher and scorer of Rovers’ second goal, Ben Brereton.
On why he moved for Szmodics, Tomasson said: “He’s intense and clever without the ball. On the ball he takes few touches, he does the right things at the right moment.
“That sounds simple but doing the right things at the right time can be very difficult.”
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