Goals from Nikola Kalinic, Jason Roberts and Gael Givet secured a well-deserved 3-0 success against Bolton yesterday.

But it was the makeshift central defensive partnership between Givet and midfielder Keith Andrews which provided the platform. In the absence of the suspended Chris Samba, Givet has switched to centre-half with Martin Olsson coming in at left-back.

The Swede scored and took the sponsors' man of the match award in last week's win over Hull, a double emulated by Givet against Wanderers.

But the real test came when Rovers also lost captain Ryan Nelsen to injury five minutes before half-time.

And Allardyce admitted: "Keith Andrews dropping in there was a big decision for us.

"Keith dropped in anyway while Ryan came off and then (goalkeeping coach) Bobby Mimms said 'he's played a couple of games for Wolves in central defence'.

"We wanted to keep Steven Nzonzi in the front end of the defence to try and win the balls as they were played up to the front two and (Andrews) and Gael did ever so well against the threat of (Johan) Elmander and (Kevin) Davies.

"Having had the loss of Samba and then Ryan I was a bit worried and concerned but they did a tremendous job - another clean sheet.

"We've had eight clean sheets in 17 games now and that's the basis of why we're sitting in a mid-table position, because the goals have been a struggle for most of the season - but when you get that clean sheet it means when you get one goal you win three points."

At the other end, Croatia striker Kalinic caught the eye with a hard-working display, and Allardyce was pleased to see the youngster get his goal.

"Niko's goal just on half-time, I think he deserved the little bit of luck he got because he was excellent up there, holding the ball up for us," he said.

"He got the little deflection off Zat Knight's boot, I think, but it was well earned."

It was a less positive afternoon on the attacking front for Allardyce's opposite number Owen Coyle.

As impressive as the Rovers rearguard were, Coyle admits his side must improve on their failings in front of goal if they are to win their own fight for Barclays Premier League survival.

Matt Taylor and Lee Chung-Yong threatened the hosts' goal at Ewood Park but, as on a number of occasions recently, Bolton were unable to find the cutting edge required.

"We have to finish those chances, it's as simple as that," said Coyle.

"Particularly when you're level or 1-0 down, when good goalscoring chances come you have to have the courage of your convictions and make sure you hit the back of the net.

"We've not done that for a number of games - albeit we've had clean sheets and picked up points along the way.

"We are getting chances and we have to make sure we hit the back of the net."