FRUSTRATION is the word that surely sums up Rovers’ midfield efforts this season – with a never-ending injury list hampering their bid for Premier League survival.

Steven Reid, David Dunn, Brett Emerton and Vince Grella would all be expected to be key members in Rovers’ midfield but, for large parts of the season, they were stuck on the treatment table.

Australian Grella arrived as Rovers’ big summer signing but just 15 Premier League starts sums up the problems they have had all season, while Emerton’s season-ending injury in January was another massive blow.

‘Square pegs in round holes’ comes to mind, with the likes of Stephen Warnock having to be thrust into midfield and, while he has done an admirable job, it has hardly been ideal for Ince or Allardyce.

During the first half of the season, the lack of protection offered to the defence was frightening but, as the campaign has wore on, it has grown increasingly solid.

A lack of creativity is still a problem, with David Dunn injured and Carlos Villanueva flattering to deceive, and a central midfield is surely on Allardyce’s list of summer targets.

Morten Gamst Pedersen has struggled down the left at times this campaign, largely due to a lack of competition, while Emerton’s return next season should provide more options.

DAVID DUNN

Started the season in spectacular fashion, with a goal in the opening day win at Everton, but has since been plagued by injuries.

His creativity has been sorely missed this campaign, having made just seven Premier League starts, and will hopefully be ready for next season.

A key player when fit, but his fitness concerns will have to be taken into account by manager Sam Allardyce as he plans for next season.

Grade: C-

VINCE GRELLA

Threatened to be a summer flop after a nightmare first few months in English football left Rovers fans wondering why they spent around £4million on him.

Injuries disrupted any chance of finding his feet in the Premier League and it was not until the last month that fans have finally got to see the best of him.

A disappointing season but his performances over the last few games have shown he will prove a valuable asset. Definitely one with potential.

Grade: C-

MORTEN GAMST PEDERSEN

Has been villified by a few Rovers fans this season as the form that made him one of the most dangerous midfielders in the country a few seasons back dropped.

The Norwegian looked set for an Ewood exit after a real loss of form under Paul Ince, but Sam Allardyce’s arrival has handed him a new lease of life.

His contribution may have gone largely unnoticed by supporters but his total of seven assists this season, is the joint tenth best tally in the top flight. Could do better though.

Grade: B-

TUGAY

The end of an era. Tugay’s eight-year spell at Ewood has ended after he announced his retirement at the end of this campaign.

His role over the past 10 months has been somewhat limited but his ability to calm a game down has still proved important during the run-in.

A treat to watch and will be missed but, at 38, you can see why Allardyce decided not to give him a new contract.

Grade: C+

KEITH ANDREWS

Paul Ince took a huge gamble when he plucked Andrews out of the lower league wilderness, but he has proved one of his few successes.

Andrews was never expected to jump straight in as a first-team regular at Ewood but, injuries and loss of form, meant he was far busier than even he has expected.

Has sometimes struggled to cope with the pace of the game but, in the main, has been a steady versatile performer throughout.

Grade: B-

AARON MOKOENA

THE Axe has proved a valuable squad member but his total of just nine Premier League starts says a lot.

Mokoena’s professionalism and loyalty will be missed by Rovers but sadly his technical ability has always seen him struggle in the top flight.

He is able to break up play with some robust challenges but his deficiencies in possession have speeded up his Rovers exit.

Grade: D

EL-HADJI DIOUF

A key January signing and has undoubtedly helped lift Blackburn Rovers to safety.

Can be frustrating at times though, with the desire to beat a man more than once, and has not provided a much of a goal threat as first thought.

Is capable of whipping in a wicked cross though and his ability to wind up the opposition is priceless. Perhaps needs to calm down a bit though.

Grade: B-

CARLOS VILLANUEVA

It was more a case of style over substance for the Chilean playmaker and his Ewood exit was always inevitable.

Showed he had all the skills to become a fans favourite but unfortunately the lower end of the Premier League was not a place for it to flourish.

He has a big career ahead of him, but probably in more technical leagues abroad. Lacked the physical presence to really make an impact.

Grade: D

KEITH TREACY

Next season will be an important season for the young Irishman after a disappointing campaign this time round.

A hot prospect as he came through Rovers’ youth ranks, has never really transformed that into first team ability.

A direct and powerful runner, who has again showed his potential, but will need to deliver in earnest next season.

Grade: D

BRETT EMERTON

Was one of Rovers’ star performers in a collectively dismal opening to the campaign.

Again showed his versatility, playing right back, central midfield and right midfield, and rarely had a bad game wherever he played.

His knee injury, picked up at Middlesbrough in January, was a devastating blow for Allardyce and really left the club’s Premier League status hanging in the balance.

Grade: B-

STEVEN REID

Another injury nightmare of a season for him. After just four Premier League appearances, a knee injury spelt the end of his campaign.

Fingers crossed, the Irishman can add some steel and composure to Rovers’ midfield next season.

Grade: Absent