Big Sam wants happy away day

Last updated : 28 February 2010 By Team Talk

But after winning four in succession at home to move up to 12th and ease relegation fears, Allardyce feels it is only a matter of time before they start to profit from their travels.

Allardyce said: "It is not so much about cracking the away form as cracking the results. I think the form has been good on occasions.

"We have had some disasters like Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal away where we have been dreadful and I remember them vividly.

"But some of the performances were really well worthy of the victories we were looking for.

"Unfortunately the longer it goes on the harder it is to clinch.

"Anfield is a major venue and a big place to try to get a win but we will try our best.

"We are in good form and have got a lot of confidence in the place at the moment.

"If we are technically and tactically right, and there is perhaps a little fatigue from Liverpool, we may come away with something."

Rovers are without captain Ryan Nelsen for the trip after the New Zealand international suffered a knee injury in last week's 3-0 win over Bolton.

There were initially fears the 32-year-old could miss the rest of the season - and even the World Cup - but they have now been allayed.

Allardyce said: "I think he was worried about the injury when it happened, we all were, but now we have had the scan and it has settled down, it only looks a few weeks rather months."

Christopher Samba is likely to take Nelsen's place after serving a suspension while Brett Emerton is also available again after an Achilles injury.

One positive piece of news this week has been the decision of exciting prospect Junior Hoilett to sign a new two-and-a-half year contract.

The 19-year-old Canadian has made a big impression since breaking into the first team this season.

Hoilett was first taken on trial by the club at the age of 12 and signed soon after.

Work permit difficulties later saw him loaned out to two German clubs for experience but Allardyce now hopes the club can reap the benefits of their faith in the youngster.

Allardyce said: "It is one of the hardest and longest negotiations I have experienced but finally we have persuaded Junior that Blackburn is the place for him.

"Having had the lad since he was 12 years old, and having had all the difficulties we have had, it is a pleasure to have him on board.

"There is such outstanding talent and ability there that we want to develop into a regular first-team player.

"We're really looking forward to his future at Blackburn and hopefully seeing him develop into a fine player."

Allardyce, who also revealed the club are also close to finalising a new deal with Morten Gamst Pedersen, believes Hoilett is one of a number of promising youngsters in his squad.

Allardyce particularly has high regard for Martin Olsson and Steven Nzonzi, both 21, and 22-year-old striker Nikola Kalinic.

"We're looking very good for the future and these players can only get better and be a force for Blackburn," Allardyce said.

 

Liverpool 4/11, Draw 7/2, Blackburn 9/1  

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk