Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has disclosed the halftime message from manager Michael O'Neill following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Bristol City in Tuesday’s Championship clash.

Alebiosu, who played the full 90 minutes, said the team struggled to build momentum in the first half after conceding twice, a setback he described as frustrating. 

Speaking to Rovers TV, the Super Eagles full-back admitted the side allowed pressure to mount, which ultimately cost them control of the game before the break.

"It was frustrating. We got the first goal before we could get a bit of momentum. We just set off the pressure and they ended up getting two goals," Alebiosu said.

"The boys went down then the second half, we came back alive again, but we had lots of chances just didn't take it." 

The Nigerian international revealed that O’Neill urged the players to play with belief and freedom during the interval, reminding them they were capable of turning the game around. 

"He told us to believe in ourselves because we obviously got the first go, we can do it but we are playing a bit with fear," he revealed. 

"He was just telling us, play with freedom, play with belief you can do it. In the second half, that's what we brought just the final chances to put away." 

Blackburn showed improvement after the restart and created several opportunities, but Alebiosu lamented their poor finishing, noting it was simply not their night despite a much stronger second-half display.

"It just seem like it wasn't our night today. As I have said, the boys are frustrated. We could have easily got a couple of goals in the second half."

Alebiosu has been an important figure for Rovers this season, contributing one goal and two assists in 27 league appearances. 

The former Arsenal defender will be hoping to maintain his form as Blackburn continue their fight to steer clear of the relegation zone and avoid a drop to League One.

Adeyemi Adewale