Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Ince has assured Matt Derbyshire he doesn't regard him as a "super sub".

Ince told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I would never class Matt as a super sub," he said. "He plays for the England under 21s and is a very good player.

"He is something very different to what we have at this club. He is able to get in behind, has an eye for goal. But we have only had five games and I am still trying to find the right mix and blend and personnel for this team, which could take 12 months.

"But one thing about Matty is he has been absolutely outstanding off the pitch.

"It is easy to sulk when you are not getting games, but he trains well, he always has a smile on his face and he is pushing the likes of Roque, and Roberts and you have to have that.

"It is easy to sit back and sulk, but he doesn't, he comes in every day and trains hard and he is making the point to me that he wants to be in the first 11."