Roberts somehow managed to head wide in front of the posts following a cross by Brett Emerton a minute before half-time.

It proved to be a pivotal moment in a gritty derby with the match at the Reebok Stadium finishing 0-0.

Ince said: "Jason is gutted and he has got to score. You can make excuses but I am not one for making excuses.

"While I am pleased with the clean sheet, you have to take a chance like that. It would mean three points."

Chilean midfielder Carlos Villanueva saw his effort hit the bar but Blackburn had to dig in for long spells.

Ince was thrilled with the display of centre-backs Ryan Nelsen and Christopher Samba, who blotted out Bolton's attacking threat.

"They were world class," said the Rovers boss. "We did well against a team that is very direct and withstood all the pressure.

"You have to be brave, show character and spirit when you come to a place like this - and we showed that in abundance."

Ince also praised Holland defender Andre Ooijer after switching him to left-back.

"That worked a treat as Andre managed to nullify the threat of Kevin Davies, which was important," he said.

Ince, in his first season as Blackburn boss, showed he is not afraid to make big decisions.

He gave former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler his first start in the league for the club, alongside Roberts, leaving Matt Derbyshire and Benni McCarthy on the bench.

Derbyshire and McCarthy got a run-out in the second half and they nearly claimed a victory late on.

McCarthy saw his shot hit the side-netting, and Ince added: "We deserved all three points without a doubt.

"We were stronger in the last 10 or 15 minutes and looked like the only team that was going to win the game."

Bolton manager Gary Megson was left frustrated after seeing his side fail to build on their victory at West Ham.

Matt Taylor and Andy O'Brien both came close to breaking the deadlock but they had to make do with a point despite a lot of possession.

Megson said: "We have to look at it as two points dropped given the opportunities we created.

"Blackburn are a difficult team to break down. They have a good away record.

"Our failings this season are the same as last year. When we are on top we do not seem able to finish teams off.

"We have not got enough people in the team who are scoring goals. A lot of the time we are dependent on the same faces."