Emerton has faith in Grella

Blackburn utility man Brett Emerton has urged Vince Grella to make the most of Blackburn's injury problems.

Grella lasted just 45 minutes on his debut against West Ham, but made the bench against Bolton last weekend and is desperate to make the most of his big chance.

Australia international Emerton is confident his 29-year-old countryman can make the grade in England and feels he just needs a run of games to make his mark.

"Vince is a fantastic player," Emerton told the Lancashire Telegraph. "Unfortunately, the Blackburn fans haven't had much of an opportunity to see that as yet.

"Knowing Vince, he is definitely looking at the situation as an opportunity to get himself some game-time and show the fans what he is all about.

"He can put a tackle in when he needs to, but he's very comfortable on the ball and his distribution and range of passing is second to none. I think the fans can expect to see that of him."

Emerton added: "I hope he becomes a popular player with the fans here, he's got the ability to do that.

"He was unfortunate to pick up an injury so early into his Blackburn career, but there's plenty of time for him to make up for that and I'm sure he will."