Sam Gallagher was instrumental in giving Blackburn Rovers some hope late in their defeat to Cardiff City on Wednesday night.

The Southampton striker, who joined the Championship club on loan a week ago, provided an assist for Danny Graham in the 77th minute as Rovers were beaten 2-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Following a pair of own-goals from Rovers defender Shane Duffy inside 20 minutes, Owen Coyle's side managed to pull a goal back when Gallagher, 20, provided a flick-on which allowed Graham to stroke beyond Cardiff keeper David Marshall.

Gallagher, who impressed on loan with MK Dons last season, replaced Anthony Stokes on 62 minutes and was busy for Blackburn who almost netted an equaliser when the Saints youngster headed Jason Lowe's back-post cross across goal for Graham who was unable to get on the end of it.

The appearance was Gallagher's second for the Lancashire club after coming on as a second-half sub in the weekend's 3-0 loss at Wigan Athletic.

Manchester City youngster Jack Byrne played a full 90 minutes in central midfield for Blackburn while West Ham United's Stephen Hendrie feature for the full match at left-back.