Jason Roberts is confident Blackburn can avoid the drop despite their precarious position at the foot of the Premier League. The 31-year-old striker is currently out of action after suffering a stress fracture in his foot but is desperate to play his part in Rovers’ survival bid, which took a knock after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Stoke on Saturday.
However, their form has improved markedly since Sam Allardyce took over from Paul Ince in the hot seat and their fate is still in their own hands.
Roberts has bagged seven goals for Rovers this term and Allardyce will be keen to get the powerful striker fit for as many of the remaining five games as possible.
Givemefootball’s Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Roberts as the former Wolves, Bristol Rovers, West Brom and Wigan striker looks forward to Blackburn returning to the top ten in the Premier League.
WHAT IS THE LATEST ON YOUR INJURY?
The injury is a strange one because if you have a broken bone then you know exactly how long you are going to be out for. However, with a stress fracture you can’t be sure as it isn’t as straightforward so you have to be careful in case it happens again and you have a setback. It is doubtful I will be ready for next week.
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT RELEGATION?
Under the new manager – Sam Allardyce – our record is good as, apart from Saturday, we have only lost against the top four. If we carried on like that over the course of a season then I don’t think we will have too many issues over staying up. It is a very tough league but if we remain focused then we will be alright.
IS IT GETTING HARDER FOR CLUBS LIKE BLACKBURN TO COMPETE AT THE TOP LEVEL?
We have a good squad at
Blackburn and we have been used to finishing in the top ten over the last two or three years. We can look at this season as a bit of a blip after Mark Hughes left in the summer but we seem to be back on form under the new gaffer and showing top ten form. Hopefully, we can do that over the course of the season next year to take us back where we feel we belong.
WHAT IMPRESSION HAS SAM ALLARDYCE MADE SINCE HIS ARRIVAL AT EWOOD PARK?
A very positive one as he is very well organised and knows his stuff. The gaffer has managed at this level for a long time and it is about us going out and doing it on a match day.
YOU STARTED OFF IN NON-LEAGUE WITH HAYES BEFORE BREAKING INTO THE PROFESSIONAL RANKS – IS THERE MORE TALENT OUT THERE AT THAT LEVEL?
Absolutely. There is a lot of talent in the non-league and I watch a lot of games at all levels and I can see that there is a lot of talent out there. You just need to be given that opportunity by a manager who likes you at that time and is prepared to take a chance on you. I can’t think of too many players who have played in every division like I have but, with a bit of luck and someone taking a chance on you, then there are players good enough in the non-league game to break through.
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