Rovers relieved

Goals from Benni McCarthy and Ryan Nelsen – his first strike for Rovers in 111 league games – moved Allardyce’s men above Hull and Sunderland into 15th place with four games to go.

Allardyce said: ‘‘We’ve got to get one more win which shows you how difficult is is to get out of being in the bottom three in December. We’ve clawed our way out slowly and we’ve responded well.

‘‘It’s a great show of character from the lads and a fantastic effort. The determination everybody showed really made a difference for us and it is great for us all to go home happy.’’ Allardyce went on to praise the performance of central defender turned makeshift striker Chris Samba, who was drafted back into the forward line due to injuries decimating his options up front.

Allardyce added: ‘‘At this stage we think he’s the best we’ve got to play up there.

We’ve tried other combinations which have been a little too lightweight. He showed some good touches and he’s certainly a nuisance up there.’’ Rovers will move a step closer to safety if Allardyce’s former club Newcastle fail to beat Portsmouth tonight but he insisted: ‘‘I think there is pressure put on us all at whatever stage.

‘‘We’re the ones who have won out of the bottom six and that is a big bonus for us. But it doesn’t really concern me about what kind of pressure that puts on Newcastle.’’ Wigan boss Steve Bruce had no complaints about his side’s defeat and instead paid tribute to the unorthodox threat posed by Samba.

Bruce said: ‘‘Some will mock and criticise it but he’s without Roberts and Santa Cruz, he wants to play in a certain way and it looks like they’re safe so he’s done his job. It’s not the prettiest to watch but by God it’s difficult to play against.’’ Bruce added: ‘‘I’ve got no complaints. We spent all week talking about the threat they posed from set-pieces and then gone out and defended like that and we got what we deserved.

‘‘We can’t have that many chances on goal and not take one at this level.”