Work Rate Pleases Hughes

Last updated : 11 March 2007 By Sam
"I was very proud of the players for the work rate they put in today," he said after the 2-0 win at Ewood Park.

"Everyone said we were favourites beforehand and given our recent form and the fact that we were at home, that was probably fair.

"However we still had a very difficult game in front of us and the way we went about the job was very pleasing in every respect.

"The lads at the back were excellent and there were some really strong performances throughout the team. We knew we had to make it hard for City and play at a good tempo. And we did.

"I was pleased for Aaron who has been excellent for us in recent weeks. And for him to get his first goal was marvellous even though a rather harsh sending-off took the shine off things a bit for him.

"It was good to see Matt score his first goal at Ewood, he is another player who has done ever so well, but I could single individuals out all night.

"This was a good collective team effort and we can be justly proud of what we have achieved."