BLACKBURN Rovers and Aston Villa are goalless at the half time in this morning's Premier League Asia Trophy opener in Hong Kong.

In a game full of strong tackles, Rovers held their own against their Premier League rivals and created a couple of chances to take the lead.

After the expected slow start, it was Rovers who had the first meaningful attempt of the game when Mauro Formica saw a stinging drive parried away by Shay Given.

The Argentine struck his shot well from the edge of the box after good hold up play by main striker Jason Roberts.

Rovers were attempting to get the ball down and play football but, as the half wore on, it was Aston Villa looking the more dangerous.

Darren Bent went close with a couple of headers, before Stephen Warnock saw a back post volley hacked clear by Gael Givet after he was given too much room to latch on to Barry Bannan's cross.

Martin Petrov had a 25-yard shot held by Paul Robinson on 27 minutes.

While Rovers were struggling to create too many chances on a bobbly pitch, they were looking organised and Formica was looking lively just off Roberts in attack.

As the half wore on, Brett Emerton had a goal bound shot deflected over the bar after the best move of the match involving Dunn, Roberts and Pedersen.