Rovers managed to beat the drop on a dramatic last day of the 2010-11 Barclays Premier League campaign when they ran out 3-2 winners at fellow strugglers Wolves, and a year later they face the prospect of things going right down to the wire once again - as long as they can defeat Wigan this evening.

Anything less than a victory over the Latics will see their relegation confirmed tonight, but if 19th-placed Blackburn do secure three points from the contest at Ewood Park, their battle will continue through to Sunday's finale.

It is not a scenario Kean had been contemplating.

"I didn't expect it to come to this, but there has been a big transition in players," said the Scot, whose side - now six points adrift of safety - will need to follow up a win over Wigan with another at Chelsea on the final day and have other results as well as goal difference go their way for them to stay up.

"We have promoted a lot of the younger ones, maybe a little bit earlier than they would have played, but we have great players for the future and we have to make sure we stay in this league.

"I am still convinced we can do it."

With there being plenty of youth in the Blackburn side, Kean knows the enormity of the clash with Wigan - who, currently 17th, are very much a part of the relegation shake-up themselves - is likely to play on the minds of some of his players.

He is optimistic, though, it is something that might bring out the best in his team rather than inhibit them, particularly given the way training has gone ahead of the match.

Asked about nerves in the camp, Kean said: "I feel as if it can give a positive edge.

"Sometimes you can look at the lads and think they are a little bit nervous and there is a negative energy, but they have looked bright and sharp on the training ground."

Blackburn, who have lost six of their last seven games, could have wide man Martin Olsson back in their starting XI this evening.

Olsson has been on the bench for Rovers' last three matches due to a niggling groin complaint but Kean says the problem has settled down.

Bradley Orr (Achilles) will be assessed ahead of kick-off, while fellow defender Grant Hanley (knee) remains sidelined.

Kean has confirmed striker David Goodwillie, who was given a community service order last week for assaulting a man in Glasgow, will be part of the squad.