Rovers are 19th in the table, just two points above bottom side West Brom, after a run of eight league matches without a win.

Ince, plucked from League One MK Dons to replace Mark Hughes in the summer, is discovering the harsh realities of the top flight with fans questioning his appointment, his capabilities and his methods.

However, the former England and Manchester United midfielder shrugged off the criticism.

"There is always going to be pressure, it is a high-profile job. I've had pressure all my life, it is not a problem," he said.

"I enjoy pressure. It makes you a better player and hopefully will make me a better manager.

"If things aren't going well you are going to get pressure. That is part and parcel of being a manager.

"I have to deal with it and the same goes for my players. I think you should try to embrace it and improve on it.

"As a player you are one of 11 and it is collective pressure as a team.

"The only difference as a manager is you are always trying to find solutions every minute of the day, which is not easy."

Rovers have not won in the league for more than two months since defeating Newcastle 2-1 at St James' Park on September 27.

On Sunday they travel to Portsmouth, who have lost once in their last six home matches, and then host Liverpool before facing important games against Wigan, Stoke and Sunderland.

Despite their poor run of results Ince said the players remained upbeat he was confident they could halt the slide.

"The players are fantastic. Let's not forget it is the best job in the world to be a professional footballer and manager," he said.

"They come in and train for two hours every day and then they go home.

"If you let it get to you you are never going to get out of it.

"It is important as a manager to make sure the players' spirits are high and we go into every game believing we can win.

"They are special players, smashing lads who come in laughing and joking, but this is a time when you have to stand up and be counted."

Ince maintains he will stick to his principles and has no intention of changing Blackburn's style in order to get them out of their current rut.

"People say win ugly but I've always played in footballing sides and I don't think you should change how you play," he added.

"The players enjoy the way we play. If you play 4-5-1 it invites pressure on you and it can work both ways.

"To be fair we have played some decent football and we have had clear-cut chances where we could have changed games.

"If you go in front you should be able to hold on to the lead and we have had those chances but have not been able to hold on.

"But my philosophy on football will never change."

Full-back Martin Olsson is suspended for the trip to Fratton Park after his sending-off against Tottenham last week but Stephen Warnock returns from a one-match ban to take his place.

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On-trial Norway defender Tore Reginiussen has told the club they have to decide now whether they want to sign him in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old, Tromso's player of the season, arrived last weekend but Ince would like longer to consider whether to make a permanent signing.

However, that is not an option for Reginiussen.

"I've told them that I need some time off after a really long season, and therefore I'll take a vacation now. This means that Blackburn need to take a decision now," he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"It's not an option for me to stay here for two more weeks so they can be convinced that I'm good enough.

"They must rather say now if they are interested or not."