Rovers thankful for Hedges' versatility

Ryan Hedges has played in every position for Blackburn apart from goalkeeper

Valerien Ismael says his Blackburn team paid a big price for last Tuesday night's victory at Bristol City. He was right.

Between the victory at Ashton Gate and the defeat on Saturday by Derby, two key players had been ruled out for a considerable period of time.

Goalkeeper Balasz Toth has already undergone surgery on his knee, keeping him out for at least a month, potentially more, and centre-back Scott Wharton will not play again in 2025 because of a torn Achilles tendon.

A look at the teamsheet on Saturday caused confusion for most. The main area in question was, if three players were going to be employed at centre-back, who would play alongside Lewis Miller and Sean McLoughlin?

The answer turned out to be Ryan Hedges - a versatile player who joked last week there are only two positions he's not played for the club: goalkeeper and centre-back.

Only one to go now, Ryan!

The loss of Wharton was keenly felt throughout the first half - he's been the most consistent central defender this season.

The second period saw Derby largely hold their opponents at arm's length until a clumsy challenge from Dion Sanderson presented Yuki Ohashi with a penalty that he put away.

As much as Ismael wanted his team to press for a leveller, his options on the bench were limited.

Makhtar Gueye was given his latest chance to prove he's deserving of a run in the side. He didn't pass the test. It's pretty clear Ismael doesn't see the number nine as the future, and a January move for him would be best for all parties, providing there is somebody to replace him.

I asked Ismael if a foray into the free agent market for another centre-back was a route he'd like to go down. He was clear in his response.

"No way. It makes no sense at the minute."

He went on to detail he'd been down that route when he was in charge of West Brom, and it didn't work.

The deadline-day departure of Dom Hyam to Wrexham, coupled with the subsequent change of system, has left Rovers painfully short of options at centre back.

When they return from the break, they'll have Hayden Carter ready. Without a doubt, his return will be a significant boost, and he deserves some better luck with his injury.

He started the first 11 league games of last season but has only featured in six since then. If Todd Cantwell can prove his fitness over the break and the return from suspension, things will look a little stronger for the trip to Preston.

On a positive note, a number of key figures from Rovers' past were at Ewood on Saturday to celebrate 150 years of the club.

Stalwarts like Simon Garner, Glenn Keeley and Derek Fazackerley were back in the stand with the rest of the returning heroes on the pitch for a 40-minute match against the Old Etonians in a re-run of the 1882 FA Cup Final.

There was a team containing Full Members Cup, League Cup, Premier League and promotion winners, as well as those who trod the boards in Europe.

Not the day that was hoped for in terms of Championship points, but a day to remember for those involved during the second match.