Michael O’Neill reserves praise for Balazs Toth as keeper earns Blackburn point

Michael O’Neill hailed Balazs Toth’s “amazing” save after Blackburn drew 0-0 with fellow relegation battlers West Brom.

Both sides knew the game’s significance, which made for a nervy encounter that saw Albion boss the first half only to be denied by Toth’s outstanding save as he tipped Aune Heggebo’s effort onto the goal frame.

Rovers improved in the second half with Mathias Jorgensen’s shot well blocked as their defensive solidity secured a valuable point.

After a third clean sheet in five home games, O’Neill praised his Hungarian goalkeeper’s contribution.

He said: “I can see why he’s number one for his country. He’s played extremely well in the period I’ve been here. He is capable of making big saves at key moments of the game. Top goalkeepers do that. He has those traits.

“We have to be happy with four points from two games. I didn’t think we played as well today. There’s always a worry after what the players put into the game on Friday that they can get to the same level physically.

“First half we struggled a little bit with that, gave the ball away cheaply. Goalkeeper makes an amazing save for us which we needed at that point in time.

“But second half, I thought we were a lot better. I thought we looked like the team more likely to win the game but we didn’t make the best of some of the opportunities we had.

“We have to be pleased with the clean sheet. It keeps us six points clear of the teams in the bottom three.”

Albion remain four points clear of danger after stretching their away unbeaten run to three. Interim head coach James Morrison was also effusive about the “fantastic” Toth save but, although happy with the point, felt his side lacked composure.

He said: “It was fantastic wasn’t it? For an away performance, if that goes in, 1-0, you come away and think that’s a great away performance. But I have to give credit to the goalkeeper. I don’t think Heggebo could have done much more.

“I thought two teams looked a bit nervy for the situation we’re in which is normal. I was happy really after the game because I’ve seen my players give everything out there but we just lacked the quality in the final third and when we got there with set plays at the end, our quality wasn’t there today.

“I’ve seen my players give everything really. Even when we lost the ball, everyone running back. Balls coming in the box and headers, the block Ousmane (Diakite) did at the end.

“On that front I’m happy, but disappointed with the lack of composure and quality when we got into good areas.”