Stalemate with Blackburn slows West Brom play-off bid

Steve Bruce's first home game in charge of West Brom ended in a 0-0 draw against promotion-chasing rivals Blackburn at The Hawthorns.

Bruce, 61, enjoyed a warm reception from the home supporters but he was reminded how difficult his task will be after his side, which included Republic of Ireland duo Callum Robinson and Jayson Molumby, failed to break down a determined Rovers side who were without Boys in Green defender Darragh Lenihan through suspension.

West Brom, who are eighth and three points adrift of the top six, had the better of the chances as goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski denied Andy Carroll, while Adam Reach was foiled by a desperate clearance from Tyrhys Dolan near the end.

Blackburn - who remain third in the Sky Bet Championship, four points behind the automatic promotion places - were forced into a change before kick-off.

Irish right-back James Brown, who joined the Lancashire club from Drogheda United in January, was promoted to the bench for the second time since signing after centre-back Daniel Ayala was ruled out with a calf injury and Joe Rankin-Costello was promoted from the bench.

Meanwhile, Ireland defender Dara O'Shea who made his first-team return as a late substitute last Wednesday after five months out with an ankle fracture, was named on the bench by West Brom but did not ultimately come on.