STEVE Kean insists a victory ‘is not far away’ as Blackburn Rovers look to avoid their worst winless run since Bobby Saxton’s side lost 10 in a row in 1986.

Rovers travel to Everton this afternoon without a win in nine games and just three points off the relegation zone, but boss Kean insists he can see an end to their drought.

He said: “I would much rather be three games unbeaten with a couple of wins under our belt of course. What we have to do though is keep chipping away and keep playing well.

“I think our last four performances have deserved more points than we have got. We have been on the wrong end of a couple of decisions and you hope that we will get a couple going our way in the next few weeks.

“Performances have been good, stats have been good but we just need that top line, which is goals to win games.

“The dressing room is together. I don’t think you can come back from 2-0 down if team spirit is not good or go to Emirates and get a point if togetherness is not there.

“The stats will say we are in a long run without a victory but I don’t think it is a long way away.”

Meanwhile, Everton defender Phil Jagielka expects Rovers to go back to basics in a bid to secure their Premier League status.

“We know from the first game of the season, and from previous encounters agianst Blackburn that it’s going to be a tough physical game and we’ll be expecting that again,” said Jagielka.

“They are trying to change but when you’re down there fighting for your lives it’s very difficult to abandon your old tactics.”