Jon Dahl Tomasson hopes that Blackburn Rovers' 5-2 win over Cambridge United will help build their confidence.

Rovers are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating the League One side at Ewood Park. It wasn't smooth sailing though, with Cambridge twice taking the lead.

Balls into the box continue to cause havoc for the defence, with Jack Lankaster and Sullay Kaikai both scoring after Rovers failed to clear their lines.

But a hat-trick from Sam Szmodics flipped the score before half-time and Tomasson's side dominated the second half to run out comfortable winners.

READ MORE: Rovers ratings as Szmodics stars against Cambridge

The head coach named a surprisingly strong team, making only two changes, and he admitted that was because of injuries and also to build confidence after one win in eight.

"We're delighted to win the game, the cup is very important to me and the team, we had a great run last season," Tomasson said.

"We had a great run in the Carabao Cup too, it's extremely important to go through. We know these sort of games, it's a bit of the charm. 

"You play an opponent on a level lower in the league, they suddenly rise that team and they make it difficult. That's the charm of the game and you can lose those games.

"I must admit, we're disappointed with the two goals we conceded. I thought the fans were very important and helped us through that. 

"I think the players showed great character and spirit, togetherness, to come through that. Credit to Sammie Szmodics, scoring those goals.

"We played too slowly in the first half, backwards and sidewards, probably something to do with the goal we conceded. In the second half, it was an excellent game.

"To score five goals, it could have been ten. It's never easy to score five no matter who the opponent is, with full respect to Cambridge.

"It was a combination of things," he added on the strength of the team. "We have nine players out, there's not much to change, to rotate.

"Normally in the cup games, I change a lot but I haven't been able to do that for a while. This was also a good chance to give the team confidence, they should get plenty from this performance."

15-year-old academy graduate Rory Finneran became the youngest-ever Blackburn Rovers player after coming on in stoppage time. The Irish midfielder has interest from Premier League clubs with the club still hoping he'll sign a scholarship at Ewood Park.

Yasin Ayari also came on for his Rovers debut and there were minutes for Pat Gamble and goal-scorer Harry Leonard.

"Great to see some of the young boys getting their first minutes," Tomasson said. 

"Rory Finneran, he's 15 years of age. Yasin got his first minutes. Gamble has played before but just being involved and the opportunity. I didn't use James Hill so he wasn't cup-tied.

"It was not necessary but he was ready to help the team. He's a very good player and it's been a pleasure to work with him. He's done really, really well."