Paul Gallagher was encouraged by Rovers’ form before the international break – but admits the injuries to Balazs Toth and Scott Wharton are blows.
Gallagher came through the ranks at Ewood Park and went on to make more than 70 appearances at first-team level.
The 41-year-old was encouraged by the successive wins against Southampton, Leicester and Bristol City which saw Valerien Ismael’s side climb out of the bottom three.
However, he felt that Derby’s “physicality” was the difference last time out at Ewood Park before the break.
“Physicality was a big thing for Derby, some strong boys and the set plays were aggressive. But Blackburn can be pleased with the three games prior, they put a lot into those games,” Gallagher told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“Losing Scott Wharton to injury and the goalkeeper, Toth. When you are on the momentum of a run, you want to try and keep people fit.
“I know Scott has come back from a long time injured. Maybe the Bristol game might have been one too far.
“Valerien, looking back, might have thought about resting him for that game with all the travelling in between.
“But managers and coaches, when you are winning you just want to try and keep the same team. You try to freshen it up a little bit and maybe tweak the tactics because every game is different.
“Second half (against Derby) they had a real good go, got a goal and really tried to turn the screw to get back in the game.”
Gallagher was one of the former stars who put on the blue and white shirt again for the legends game at Ewood Park.
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The ex-Scotland international enjoyed the chance to reunite with some of his old team-mates and play in front of the Rovers faithful again.
“It has been good,” he smiled. “Fitness-wise, a bit tough. Even though you stay relatively fit, match fit is different.
“It was good to have the boots on and play on Ewood again. Fair play to the fans who stayed behind and watched the game. Only 20-minute halves but it takes it out of you!
“Seeing all the lads again and some of the quality of the players – you never lose that touch, vision or pass, maybe the mobility. But it was a really good afternoon.
“I did say at half time – we had no sub goalkeeper – I’ve kept a clean sheet in the Championship so if you need me, I’m here!
“Some characters, obviously David Bentley coming back. As soon as the music came on, he was away dancing!
“He’s got a great personality. All the lads who have come back, it was good listening to their stories and catching up, going into the lounges and speaking to the fans as well.”
Shadsworth-born Gallagher knows as well as anyone what it means as the club marks its 150th anniversary in the game.
“The history of the club, winning the Premier League and Worthington Cup in my era was something special,” he recalled.
“Having the opportunity to represent your home team was brilliant and to come back again and play on Ewood Park was excellent.
“As soon as you get those boots on, you want to win and compete. You want to get on the ball and show you can still play a bit, even though the legs might have gone.
“I like to still keep myself fit, get on the ball and try to make things happen. I might not get as further forward as I used to!
“Colin Hendry, Matt Kilgallon, Tommy Spurr, really good to play with those lads. Colin Hendry is nearly in his sixties and fit as anything!”
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