Blackburn Rovers boss John Dahl Tomasson believes his young players will 'learn' from playing Premier League opposition, following their 4-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Rovers will return to league action with a trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Boxing Day. Tomasson will be hoping that his side are fresh for their meeting with the Black Cats, after he made 11 changes for the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Forest.
Tomasson has defended his decision to ring the changes, insisting that it is important to strike the 'balance' with such a crucial period coming up over Christmas.
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Tomasson said: "We knew it was going to be a challenge playing a Premier League club who have invested a lot of money. This journey we have had in the cup has been good and has been one where we have played young players.
"For the young players, they will learn from playing a Premier League club. It's difficult to find positive things but we are always looking at the development and also getting the balance right, and what is coming up in the upcoming period."
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