Hughes impressed by Vogel

Blackburn boss pays tribute to debutant

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 6th April 2008

vogel johann

Vogel: Hughes praise

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Mark Hughes has praised Johann Vogel after the Swiss midfielder made his Blackburn debut in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Vogel signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Blackburn last month following a successful trial.

The 31-year-old was a free agent as his contract with Spanish side Real Betis was cancelled in December following a legal dispute.

He was given a starting role against Spurs and Hughes was impressed by his performance and the fact that he managed to complete the match.

"I thought, given the amount of time that he has been out of the game, that it was an exceptional performance," Hughes told the club's official website.

Professional

The Blackburn boss also feels Vogel will now be much stronger for the next Premier League game against Liverpool.

"He kept going and I didn't really expect him to last the 90 minutes, but that will stand him in good stead.

"I think it is important that we expose him to the Premier League and certainly we did in the opening 20 minutes because the pace and movement of Spurs gave everybody a problem, not just Johann.

"I thought he came to terms with the pace and what was needed very quickly and that is a credit to him.

"He wasn't really flagging at the end and that is a credit to his professionalism and how he has looked after himself during the time he has been out, so he'll become better and stronger for it."