Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Blackburn Rovers counterpart Steve Kean can hold his head high for the job he has done this season.

The Rovers manager has come under fire, even from his own fans, as the Ewood Park club looked destined to be relegated but he has managed to turn things around with the team now sitting three points clear of the drop zone.

Ahead of the clash between the two sides on Monday night, Ferguson said that Kean deserves praise for his efforts in such a tricky time both personally and from a club perspective.

"It just shows you how things can change when you dig in and don't let things get to you," Ferguson said.

"Now, no-one talks about their fans and any protests.

"He (Kean) has held his dignity very well and deserves praise from everyone including his own supporters.

"I'm sure a lot of them will be wishing they hadn't done that because he's certainly shown his mettle during those times when things were difficult for him."

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