Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean has revealed that the support he received from Sir Alex Ferguson "means a lot".

During Rovers fans' protests against Kean, the Manchester United boss was one of his most outspoken backers.

Rovers have now come out of their early season slump and picked up the points to take them to out of the relegation zone and ease the pressure on Kean. The 44-year-old has now spoke of how he appreciated Ferguson phoning to reassure him in the midst of mass demonstrations against him.

"During that period I spoke to him on the phone," said Kean.

"I had a really good conversation with him, so I take my hat off to him for taking the time to pick the phone up.

"It means a lot because you know how busy these people are and the amount of strain on his time so I really appreciated that call."

Kean's side welcome Manchester United to Ewood Park on Monday night.