Eustace sees 'progression' despite Rovers' recent defeats

John Eustace has been in charge at Blackburn Rovers for almost 12 months

Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace says his side's performances do not match their recent poor form in the Championship.

Eustace's side have lost three games in a row and have won just once in their past nine league fixtures.

They face Lancashire rivals Preston North End on Friday in seventh position in the table; eight places above their opponents and two points off the play-offs.

"We've got that togetherness, we've got that know-how, we're playing some fantastic football at times. We have to keep improving and defend the box better at times as well," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"You can see the progression. With a full, fit squad, I'm sure we could have had a really good January and finished Christmas well as well.

"But we haven't and that's the Championship. Every team goes through a spell of not winning games and it's how they come through it.

"I don't think our form on the pitch has been bad. The performances have been good enough certainly to take a few more points."

Prior to the visit of Preston, Eustace was fined £4,000 by the FA and warned for misconduct following comments made which implied bias and/or questioned the integrity of a match official following their game against Leeds United on New Year's Day.

Eustace arrived at Ewood Park almost 12 months ago, coming in with the club battling at the bottom end of the table and off the back of an eight-game winless run.

Since then, the former Birmingham City boss has transformed their form and they have been in the play-off picture for much of the season until injuries and a crowded fixture list led to their recent poor run.

In contrast to now, however, Eustace believes most people would take being seventh in the table one year one based on their relative position on his arrival.

"I think everyone would have been, not just me. I think everyone would have been absolutely delighted. It's important that we keep working hard and do what we're doing," he added.

"The most important thing is that we get everyone back as quick as we can and keep improving the squad."