WHILST all eyes were on the debut of Roque Santa Cruz in Rovers' comfortable 3-0 win over Preston North End on Saturday, there was another player pulling on a Rovers shirt for the first time for the senior squad.

Martin Olsson, awarded squad number 29 at the end of last week, followed that up by making his senior bow in the win over their Lancashire rivals at Deepdale.

The Swedish under 19 international didn't disappoint, slotting in to replace Stephen Warnock at left-back with just under thirty minutes to go, and the nineteen year-old enjoyed his time on the pitch.

"It was very good, I was nervous at first," said Olsson after the game. "But everyone gave me confidence and told me to play as I usually play and I started relaxing.

"It has been good news for me, I've been playing well this week and last year I played well too, so it is so good to get my chance now."

Olsson got his chance due to the broken foot sustained by Bruno Berner in midweek, and whilst the former Hogaborgs trainee had sympathy for Bruno, he's eager to make the most of the opportunity himself.

"It is unfortunate for Bruno, I feel sorry for him, but I have now my chance now and I'll take it and try to do my best," added Olsson.

Boss Mark Hughes was impressed with the way Olsson handled his debut, "I thought Martin Olsson, who is a young player we've got high hopes for, did really well and enjoyed his taste of first team football."