Ince maintains positive outlook

Rovers have not won in the Premier League since September and Ince's side are now coming to terms with a Carling Cup exit at the hands of a largely second-string Manchester United side at Old Trafford.

"No-one can question the spirit of these players or say they don't want to play for the manager or the staff because they do," Ince told the club's official website.

"But we all know you cannot afford to keep fighting back all the time at this level.

"You can be the best manager in the world, you cannot do anything if players are making individual mistakes. We keep doing it."

Ince was particularly annoyed at his side's defending for the crucial opener during Wednesday night's 5-3 defeat, scored by Carlos Tevez, who put Aaron Mokoena under pressure at the far post.

It was sadly symptomatic of the slack manner of Blackburn's defensive work in recent times, forcing them to battle against the odds too often.

"We get the smallest player on the pitch scoring with his shoulder from a set-piece," reflected Ince.

"That is really disappointing. And it always seems to be that we concede a second straightaway.

"I just don't understand it. We prepare well and do the right things. I look at myself and the players look at themselves."