MANAGER Sam Allardyce has singled out Peter Crouch for special praise ahead of this Saturday's meeting between Rovers and Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Big Sam twice came close to signing the England international when he was manager of Bolton and again expressed an interest in bringing the giant striker to Ewood Park in the close season.
"He's one of my favourites is Crouchy," said Sam. "I've spent many times trying to sign him.
"I've always thought he was a much better player than people give him credit for. He's improved as the years have gone on.
"You look at his play with goals and how many centre forwards at 6ft plus are goalscorers and good centre forwards? There aren't many, but he is one.
"His England record stands up for itself and so does his Premier League goalscoring record over the last few years on goals per game. There's not many that can match what he is doing.
"I've always been an admirer, as you can tell."
