Allardyce remains upbeat

And Ewood Park boss expects a tricky time in the transfer window

Last updated: 28th December 2008

Allardyce remains upbeat

Allardyce: Frustrated by draws

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Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is keen to ensure the late 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Ewood Park on Sunday does not damage his players' morale.

Allardyce's men, who sit in the Premier League relegation zone, looked destined for victory over City following goals from Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts, but Daniel Sturridge and Robinho rescued a point.

Sturridge and Robinho netted twice in the final two minutes to pinch a share of the spoils and, following Boxing Day's stalemate with Sunderland, Allardyce feels his side could suffer a lack of confidence.

Allardyce, who remains unbeaten in his three games in charge of Blackburn, acknowledges mistakes were made against City, but he is eager not to let heads sink during the forthcoming break for the FA Cup.

Massive

"We didn't compose ourselves to keep the ball and not let them get back into our penalty area," Allardyce told Sky Sports 1.

"We left Robinho all alone at the back post and got caught ball-watching to pay a heavy price in a great performance.

"By the time the next Premier League game comes around we will try and lift the players and make sure it has not knocked their confidence.

"We have really thrown away four points in the last two games. We should have won and we have drawn.

"That is massive given the position we are in. We are still a win off getting out and that is the big problem we have."

Santa Cruz speculation

Meanwhile, Allardyce acknowledges that he faces a difficult task in finding the correct player for Rovers in the January transfer window.

But Allardyce has reiterated his desire to keep his current squad, of which Roque Santa Cruz is being strongly linked with a move to City, together.

"For all managers, the January window is a nightmare," he said.

"We will try to add to the squad. The problem is we need to find someone who can have an almost immediate impact.

"There is a huge amount of expectation around most clubs at this time with rumours of this player coming or that one going. Once the speculation has gone from one player, it just moves on to someone else.

"If someone comes in for one of our players we will try to resist them for as long as we possibly can."