Battling Kean refuses to wilt ahead of derby

Although tonight’s Premier League basement battle with rock bottom Bolton at Ewood Park has been billed as do-or-die for Kean and opposite number Owen Coyle, the Scots do appear to be in contrasting positions.

Coyle is under pressure but it is not believed his job is under imminent threat.

Kean on the other hand appears to have reached the point of no return.

The Scot faced the media yesterday with his young son in attendance.

It can hardly have been a pleasant experience for the lad given his father was grilled repeatedly about Blackburn’s plight, second bottom with 10 points, and the banner headlines in the local paper demanding that he is sacked immediately.

There was even talk of a Roy Hodgson-like situation, recalling the former Liverpool boss gave a pre-match briefing to the Reds’ in-house channel prior to their FA Cup trip to Manchester United in January, only to be ousted before the game actually took place.

Yet, for all Kean’s faults, evidently he is not lacking in mental fortitude.

“I would never back away,” he said. “When we win I come up and answer questions. If we lose or draw it is not something I would ever run away from.

“You have to face up to the responsibility. People deserve that respect.

“It doesn’t keep me awake at night but it is a difficult situation.

“I won’t turn my back on it though. I think we can get through it and when we do I will know how tough it has been and be determined not to go there again.

“In a strange way, we can use it as a deterrent not to go on a run like this and turn things around.”

Although Kean’s exit has felt imminent virtually from the moment he replaced Sam Allardyce 12 months ago, Blackburn’s owners Venky’s have repeatedly opted against pulling the trigger.

Defeat tonight would surely bring an end to the 44-year-old’s reign.

Kean confirmed he did speak to the Blackburn management team, although the only guidance to his future was a positive one.

“The owners are concerned with where we are, as everyone is,” said the Scot. “But they have given me their full backing and given us full backing in the transfer window.”

Scott Dann has been ruled out for six weeks with a groin injury, joining Ryan Nelsen, Michel Salgado and Gael Givet on the sidelines.

Bolton defender David Wheater serves the final game of a four-match suspension.