Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has praised the club’s fans for getting behind his team, just a few months after they were calling for his head.

Blackburn’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on Tuesday night moved them six points clear of the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Kean, together with Indian owners Venky’s, was heavily criticised as the north-west club dropped into the bottom three earlier in the season.

But after taking 10 points from their past five games, they are moving towards safety.

“I think the fans are seeing the just rewards for their efforts in getting behind the team,” Kean told BBC Sport.

“We win together and lose together but they are starting to see some performances and some points.”

Kean admitted hearing chants for his sacking every week was difficult but said the club has emerged the stronger as a result.

“There’s been times this season when [the atmosphere] has been a bit fragmented,” he said.