Eric Kinder was full of praise for the professionalism shown by Morten Gamst Pedersen in last night's appearance for the Under-21s.
The Rovers coach revealed that the Norwegian international had requested to feature in the match against Reading at Ewood Park, with the midfielder playing the full match as the Under-21s won 2-1.
"He's a top pro and he has been for ten years," Kinder told Rovers Player.
"He asked me if he could play, we haven't asked him to play in the Under-21s because of who he is.
"He's got 80-odd caps for Norway, he's been here ten years, he's been a fantastic player for Blackburn Rovers and I hope he carries on being a fantastic player for Blackburn Rovers.
"He came to me and said 'Eric can I play, I need 90 minutes' and you saw him tonight and he's an absolute credit.
"I admired him before I met him and he's gone up in my estimations 100%, he's a top player and a top bloke."