Valerien Ismael singles out one Blackburn Rovers ace who can ‘make the difference’ in their play-off push

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Blackburn Rovers’ hopes of finishing in the top six in the Championship looked all but over just a few weeks ago, but in an incredible turnaround in their form, has reignited their hopes.

Valerien Ismael has been under significant pressure since taking charge of the Lancashire outfit back in February, as he had the unfortunate task of following on from John Eustace’s excellent start to the season.

He failed to win any of his first seven matches in charge, with five of those ending in defeat, including against his predecessor’s new club, Derby County. But four wins in a row has seen Blackburn rise back up the table.

With just one game to go in the Championship, the battle for the play-offs could not be tighter, and Rovers will be hoping that Todd Cantwell can continue his form into their clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this Saturday, after another terrific performance at the weekend against Watford.

Valerien Ismael praises Todd Cantwell after his goal against Watford

It’s been a rollercoaster of a campaign for Blackburn, but they have regained their confidence in the last couple of weeks, as proven by their recent run of results.

If Rovers are to taste success away to the Blades, who are confirmed to have finished third, they will need the likes of Cantwell to be at their very best, with Ismael quick to praise him for his efforts against Watford at Ewood Park.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
5	Bristol CityBristol City	44	17	16	11	57	49	8	67
6	CoventryCoventry	45	19	9	17	62	58	4	66
7	MillwallMillwall	45	18	12	15	46	46	0	66
8	BlackburnBlackburn	45	19	8	18	52	47	5	65
9	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	45	18	10	17	64	54	10	64
10	West BromWest Brom	45	14	19	12	52	44	8	61

He said (via: Lancashire Telegraph): “When you have a player like Todd Cantwell, it’s important that you need to have the ball. If you don’t have the ball, then you cannot use his quality.

“You need to put him high on the pitch. If you have to defend well, then it will be difficult for him. It will be difficult for everyone. But the way we want to play now, we put him in a good position and a good area to show up.”

Ismael concluded: “It was great for him. I’m really pleased for him to have that goal. He has the X-factor. He’s a player who is able to make the difference at any time.”

Cantwell has found his feet under Ismael at just the right time

Cantwell’s strike against the Hornets was his first from open play this season, having found the back of the net on two previous occasions from the spot. However, he now has one goal and four assists to his name in his last four matches.

This upturn in form has come at the perfect time for Blackburn, and they are benefiting greatly from a player of the 27-year-old’s quality being in more attacking positions.

While the relationship between supporters and Rovers’ owners remains volatile, the situation on the pitch is improving, with Saturday a clear example of that as the team came from behind to win for the first time since August.

Nevertheless, this momentum must not be lost, and Blackburn must continue to show their attacking intent against Sheffield United to ensure that they do not miss out on a play-off spot without a fight.