Blackburn Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has heaped praise on Ben Marshall after his performance in yesterday's Championship victory over Reading.

The 23-year-old netted his fifth league goal of the season from a direct free kick and also set up one of Rudy Gestede's two goals in the 3-1 win over the Royals.

"He's had a hand in all three goals," Bowyer told the club website. "The first goal is an outstanding cross, and an outstanding header from the big man. But then Marshy's free-kick is stunning, absolutely stunning.

"In the Championship, set-plays play a massive part and he's worked hard on the training ground doing it, so we are delighted.

"Then I thought it was terrific wing play for the third one, it shows you that he can go outside as well as inside. He's a joy for the strikers because they know they are going to get some opportunities from him."

Victory was Blackburn's third on the bounce and it lifted them up to seventh in the table.