Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is delighted with his players after their victory over Wigan Athletic.

Allardyce can sense his side are on the rise after watching Niko Kalinic's goal lift Rovers to the giddy heights of 11th in the Premier League.

Kalinic, a £6million summer buy from Hadjuk Split, has been slowly integrated into top-flight English football by Allardyce, and such patience is being rewarded.

The Croatia international's 76th-minute winner was his sixth goal of the season, and his first in the league, but it was enough to give Blackburn a 2-1 win over Lancashire rivals Wigan at Ewood Park.

It is now back-to-back league victories for Rovers, who are seven points clear of the relegation zone, and have key matches looming against West Ham, Stoke, Hull and Bolton over the next few weeks.

"We had numerous chances, scored two goals, and in the end we won the game comfortably," assessed Allardyce.

"At times it was a bit scrappy, but it was a great, battling performance, and another three points.

"It's the second time we've managed to get back-to-back wins this season, and what a difference it makes in the Premier League.

"It has shot us up to 11th, and we've started 2010 really well, so let's keep it going, with everybody playing their part.

"It's looking good for us. If we can go on a little undefeated run now, starting at West Ham, then we're looking okay."