SAM Allardyce was delighted with the display of midfielder Steven Reid after he made his long awaited Premier League return.

The Republic of Ireland international hasn't made a Barclays Premier League start since September 2008, and didn't look out of place in the Rovers midfield as they celebrated an important 2-0 win over Fulham.

After the game, Allardyce admitted that he has to take things slowly with Reid as he reintroduces him to the cut and thrust of league football.

"We have to find out whether Steven is ready or not," Allardyce told Radio Rovers.

"He is still going to be a long way off his best, but under the circumstances with all the games that we've got we've got to use the squad.

"I thought at Villa in the FA Cup as the game went on he got better and I think now that he's got this one under his belt it will make him feel better.

"It is only upwards for Steven if he steers clear of injuries, he'll get better and better, but it is about me picking and choosing the right time to play him, like it was with Kalinić when he first came."