Hughes defends Ooijer

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has rallied to the defence of under-fire Andre Ooijer.

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has rallied to the defence of under-fire Andre Ooijer.

The Dutch centre half has been heavily criticised for his displays since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven last month.

Ooijer endured a torrid Premiership debut against champions Chelsea, conceding a penalty for a foul on John Terry and then failing to keep tabs on Didier Drogba for the second goal.

He has since helped Rovers secure a 0-0 draw at Sheffield United and played in Thursday's 2-2 Uefa Cup stalemate with Red Bull Salzburg.

The experienced defender should retain his place for Sunday's clash with Manchester City and Hughes is confident Ooijer will come good.

"People are expecting him to come here and fit in straight away," said Hughes. "But we have only played three games.

"They have also jumped on the fact that he conceded a penalty in our first match against Chelsea.

"People have formed a negative opinion of him, but that's not fair on him at all.

"It's far too early in his Blackburn career to judge him, so for people to speak about him in the way they have been doing is wrong.

"He's a strong character and he was desperately disappointed that we let the game slip at Salzburg because he's used to winning week in, week out."