Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce happy with Sturm Graz draw

by Jack Failsworth. Published Mon 12 Jul 2010 10:30, Last updated: 2010-07-12

Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce was satisfied after their 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz.

The Rovers boss was pleased with his side’s performance despite lack of efforts on goal and the stifling conditions.

"For the first time we've put a game at the end of this very important physical week for the players to start their preparation for the start of the new season on the 14th of August," Allardyce told the Rovers website.

"So the players were already fatigued coming into the game and then to meet a team that are one week away from the start of their season meant it was going to be a big test.

"But of course the biggest test of all was probably the ninety degree heat we had out there on the pitch.

"So we had to be very careful with the players, we told them to take it easy and not to over extend themselves too much and to try and enjoy as best they can, to get a feel of the ball.

"It was a good competitive game in a nice stadium against a good side that start their Austrian season next week."