Blackburn have now only lost one of their last 17 Premier League games but had to settle for a hard fought point in a 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool in front of over 30,000 spectators at Ewood Park.

Twice in the first half Blackburn were denied by the woodwork - first David Bentley clipped a post then David Dunn crashed an effort against the woodwork in an eminently forgettable first 45 minutes in which Liverpool seemed content to defend in depth.

The game livened up in the second half when Rovers stopper Brad Friedel twice denied Steven Gerrard, Bentley headed off the line and Dirk Kuyt was guilty of missing three clear cut chances.

Rovers were hanging on for the final whistle as they failed to maintain their first half momentum, but boss Mark Hughes felt the exertions of two hard games in midweek and Sunday took their toll at the end.

"Towards the end you could see the effects of a busy week with two difficult away games.

"Liverpool didn't play in midweek and that told somewhat but we stuck at it and Brad (Friedel) made saves when required but overall I thought it was a very good Premier League game.

"There were two good teams, a great atmosphere, and overall given the chances we had in the first half a draw was a fair result.

"We've come up against three of the top four and are unbeaten against them. This is the best squad I have worked with here and whilst to break into the top four may be a tall order we have the players to influence who does finish at the top.

"It's a long season and we need a little bit of luck with injuries and form if we are to keep our decent run going."