BLACKBURN Rovers slipped to a 3-1 loss in the Austrian mountains against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

After a goalless first half, it was the Bundesliga new-boys who took the lead on 51 minutes, Janker forcing the ball home from close-range.

Rovers bounced back when from a set-piece of their own courtesy of a Benni McCarthy volley but the parity lasted just over 90 seconds as Hoffenheim regained the lead through Matthias Jaissle, before Janker grabbed his second goal of the game in the final seconds.

Despite a spectacular mountain backdrop to the Kufstein Arena, the game was a very low-key affair. Paul Ince once again took the opportunity to look at all of the players fit and available for selection, Samba (back), Khizanishvili and Vogel (thigh) all missed the game, whilst Bentley had already departed back to England with a hamstring injury, as had David Dunn as his partner is due to give birth.

Andre Ooijer, Brett Emerton, Tugay and Aaron Mokoena saw 45 minutes after they joined up with the squad on Sunday.

Brad Friedel was the first goalkeeper to make a save of note, the American clawing away a free-kick on thirteen minutes, two minutes later he saved comfortably after Salihovic's shot was deflected by Nelsen, Friedel managing to adjust his position in time to make the save.

At the midway point of the half Rovers created their first chance. Steven Reid's forward pass was flicked on by Roque Santa Cruz for partner Jason Roberts, he bore down on goal, but put his shot narrowly wide of the far post.

But Hoffenheim went closer still as Salihovic's effort clipped the top of the crossbar.

There was concern for the Rovers camp after Morten Gamst Pedersen was clattered into just past the half hour. But after receiving treatment the Norwegian international, who had been playing in centre of midfield, was unable to continue and came off as a precaution to be replaced by Alan Judge.

Rovers spent the remainder of the first half defending their area, but the German club rarely threatened.

Eight changes were made at the break for Rovers, including Robbie Fowler who came on for his first outing in a Rovers shirt since arriving on trial. Stephen Warnock and Ryan Nelsen the only two players to play the entire ninety minutes. The former playing the second half at centre-half.

But Rovers had barely time to adjust to their new-look as Hoffenheim took the lead. A corner into the area wasn't dealt with, Jason Brown kept the first effort out but Christoph Janker bundled home the rebound.

Rovers hit back with a flowing move of their own, Paul Gallagher slipped the ball inside to Benni McCarthy on the edge of the area, he fed Robbie Fowler who shifted the ball but his effort was deflected over the crossbar.

However from the resulting corner kick Rovers did find the back of the net. The ball was initially cleared but Ryan Nelsen headed the ball back into the six yard box, Aaron Mokoena made a nuisance of himself allowing the ball to run to Benni McCarthy and he volleyed high into the net from six yards out.

But Rovers were level for just two minutes as the Bundesliga side regained the lead. Again the goal came from a set-piece, this time a free-kick from the right, Matthias Jaissle heading home despite the best efforts of Jason Brown who was unfortunate to see the ball roll across the line after a fine reflex save.

Further changes were made as Sergio Peter and Bryan Hodge were introduced with fifteen minutes to go, the German-born Peter put a curling free-kick into the area but McCarthy couldn't make more of the opportunity.

As the game drifted towards the final whistle there was still time for Hoffenheim to grab a third. Janker again was on hand to fire low into the corner of the net after Rovers failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.

Overall the game was a useful workout for Rovers, against a side that had played half a dozen pre-season matches before this one.

ROVERS 1st half: Friedel, Reid, Ooijer, Nelsen, Warnock, Derbyshire, Emerton, Pedersen (sub Judge 34 mins), Treacy, Roberts, Santa Cruz.

ROVERS 2nd half: Brown, Kane, Nelsen, Warnock, Olsson, Judge (sub Hodge 75 mins), Tugay, Mokoena, Gallagher (sub Peter 75 mins), Fowler, McCarthy.