ROVERS manager Paul Ince has revealed his reasoning behind giving Robbie Fowler his first Premier League start for Rovers.

Having featured previously as a starter in the Carling Cup against Everton and as a substitute against Newcastle United, the 33-year-old got the nod for his first league start in the goalless draw against Bolton on Saturday.

And after match, boss Ince explained why Fowler was chosen to partner Jason Roberts up front in the absence of Roque Santa Cruz.

"Robbie has a great record at Bolton, he's scored a couple of hat-tricks, a couple of braces, and I just felt that he would have scored again," said Ince.

"But he didn't get the chance because of the way I wanted him to play, he was a little more reserved, dropping off into the midfield but he got 70-odd minutes under his belt, he's got that experience, he keeps the ball and is always a threat.

"He is a very very good player and he will get better with the more games he plays."

Ince could have selected Matt Derbyshire or even Benni McCarthy, but the South African striker's trip back from his homeland whilst on international duty with fellow team-mate Aaron Mokoena took longer than expected.

"Believe it or not, Benni only got back to our hotel from South Africa at one o'clock on Saturday, which is a bit of a joke to be fair," added Ince.

"But he has played two games for them and you could see that when he came on."