Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer has hailed returning midfielder Chris Taylor following his "outstanding" display against Derby County.

The 28-year-old made his first appearance of the season on Wednesday night, having been sidelined since March with a groin injury.

Taylor, who lasted for 76 minutes before being replaced at Ewood Park, squandered arguably the goalless draw's best chance when heading wide from a corner early on.

Speaking to the club's official website after the match, Bowyer said: "I think if it wasn't his first game his timing might have been just slightly better.

"To get one so early in the game when he was just easing himself into it. It was a great opportunity for him. But I thought he was outstanding and epitomised everything that we were about tonight.

"It was his first game for a long, long time, the energy levels, the desire and the passion that he brings was there for all to see. It is infectious and it rubs off everybody."

Taylor featured 21 times for Rovers last season before picking up an injury in late March.