Kean backs N’Zonzi

Rovers manager Steve Kean has leapt to the defence of under fire midfielder Steven N’Zonzi after a difficult couple of weeks for the lanky Frenchman.

Zonz has been under the microscope after a personal horror show against Swansea 2 weeks ago and then reports of a bust up between him and the shiny headed Rovers head coach.

This was then followed by him being dropped for the vital win over Norwich at Ewood on Saturday.

But despite the troubles faced (and bought about through himself) by the Zonz, Kean has backed his man and praised his improvement since his arrival at Ewood Park.

The Rovers boss told the Lancashire Telegraph – “In some quarters there has been some sort of criticism for Steve, which I think is really, really harsh.

“We feel as though he is an improving player. The level he is at now, from where he was when he came to the club is nothing short of sensational.

“It is no surprise he is linked with massive clubs all over the world because we feel as though he has been top notch.”

Reports of a bust up have between the pair have been dismissed by Kean (ed – sure, why would we not believe him?) as he puts his absence down to fatigue.

“I have had a chat with Steven, it is very difficult physically and mentally to stay at a level where you don`t go through bad spells.

“Could the amount of games have caught up with him because we couldn`t rotate the squad that much, possibly? Then that can be perceived as not doing such and such. I would not edify that comment though.

“He has been excellent and it has just been tough we could not have rested him a little more. I speak to everyone every day. I don`t just walk from my office to the training field and back. I speak to everyone. I have spoken with Steven about a number of different things as I have everyone else.

“We felt it was the right time to bring him out, after his levels have dropped in the stats, to freshen him up for the last few games. Of course he is still very important to what we are trying to do.”