It was stalemate at the Poljudu Stadium, Split as Rovers and Nacional played out a goalless draw.

The first game of the tournament saw hosts Hajduk Split fall to a 1-0 loss to CD Nacional Funchal of Portugal, which meant that when Rovers took to the field in their first game, they were up against a side that had already warmed up.

That showed in the early stages of the game as Rovers were slow to get going.

Sam Allardyce continued to experiment with formations and team line-ups, this time opting for a 4-4-2 formation with Paul Gallagher, who scored Rovers' first in their 2-2 draw with Roma on Wednesday, partnering Benni McCarthy in attack.

When defending, Gallagher dropped back to add numbers to the midfield.

Alan Judge and Keith Treacy operated on the flanks, with Steven Nzonzi and Keith Andrews in the centre.

Jason Brown was his assured self at the back, with Jacobsen, Samba, Khizanishvili and Olsson in front of him.

Big Chris Samba proved to be a nuisance to the Nacional back line on more than one occasion, corners from left and right saw the giant defender challenge, but on more than one instance he was adjudged to have fouled the goalkeeper.

But despite the early threat of Samba from corners, the game drifted into a possession game, with Rovers enjoying the greater share of the ball but without every really doing anything with it.

Nacional 'keeper Douglas was called upon on a couple of occasions to make vital interceptions, whilst at the other end Jason Brown claimed one ball comfortably, but neither goalkeeper was too troubled.

Rovers ended the 45 minute match in the ascendancyas they again forced a series of corners, Benni McCarthy did strike the woodwork from Khizanishvili's free-kick, but the South African was flagged offside.

ROVERS: Brown, Jacobsen, Samba (c), Khizanishvili, Olsson, Judge, Andrews, Nzonzi, Treacy, McCarthy, Gallagher.