Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray was forced to defend his decision to bring Leighton Clarkson off the bench as his side chased a goal in their 1-1 draw with Bristol City.
Callum O'Dowda opened the scoring for Bristol City and having used up two substitutions already, Mowbray turned to 20-year-old midfielder Clarkson with 23 minutes remaining while Blackburn looked to equalise.
That led to some sections of supporters questioning their manager after forward Tyrhys Dolan was left on the bench throughout.
But Chile international Ben Brereton-Diaz would score the equaliser 15 minutes from time and Clarkson almost set up Joe Rothwell for the winner with a superb pass.
And Mowbray explained that the Liverpool youngster's impressive showings in training, as well as his range of passing, convinced him that he was the right player to bring on as Rovers looked to get back into the game.
He said : "We needed to impose ourselves which is why I put Clarkson on really, who's amazing in training when you watch how he passes that ball short and long.
"We just needed more control in the second-half and we'd gained control. Let's wait and see how the team looks as we move forward."
Clarkson has made seven appearances for Blackburn this term since moving on a season-long loan deal in August.
The Clitheroe-born youngster made his debut for the Reds in the 1-0 FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury in February 2020 before starting in the Champions League last season.
He moved to Blackburn after Liverpool were impressed with their use of Harvey Elliott, who made 42 appearances and scored seven goals for the Championship side last season.
