GARY Bowyer has challenged Ben Marshall to keep showing his Premier League quality after the midfielder inspired Blackburn Rovers to a win which leaves them in buoyant mood going into Wednesday’s home clash with Derby County.

Man-of-the-match Marshall scored two stunning goals as Rovers came from behind to beat Wigan Athletic 3-1 in front of the biggest Ewood Park crowd of the season on Saturday.

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Now his delighted manager wants the talented 23-year-old to continue where he left off – starting with the big midweek match against the Rams.

“For me Ben has got Premier League technique and I think you saw that on Saturday,” said Rovers boss Bowyer, whose side have not lost any of their last nine league outings at home.

“The second one, especially, was an unbelievable finish but he is capable of that.

“If you saw that in the Premier League then Match of the Day would be drooling over it.

“What he’s got to do now is build on it and get even better, which I know he will do.

“He works hard on his shooting and, as I say, he’s got fantastic technique because he can go right foot and left foot.

“Now he’s got to get even better.”

Marshall’s brilliant brace were his first goals of the campaign.

The former England U21s international missed the final three months of last season with ankle ligament damage and, having worked hard to return to full fitness, he believes his dream double strike will serve only to boost his confidence further.

“Two goals will help me massively confidence-wise and the more I play, the fitter I get,” said Marshall, who dedicated his goals to Rovers’ physiotherapy team for the support they showed him while he was sidelined.

“If I can stay injury free I don’t see any reason why I can’t kick on and get a few more goals.

“I’ve always liked to hit them from distance. Some go in and some don’t but fortunately it was one of those days when I felt every time I had a shot I had a chance of scoring.”

Marshall operated behind striker Jordan Rhodes as Bowyer switched to a 4-3-3 formation to combat and threaten the 3-5-2 system favoured by Wigan.

“I’ve played just off the striker for most of my career and I really do enjoy it there,” said Marshall, who had an another effort ruled out and forced Scott Carson into two further saves “I just like to be involved and it paid off against Wigan.”

Jason Lowe, with a foot injury, and David Dunn, with a minor niggle, missed out on Saturday and both will be assessed before the visit of Derby.

And Marshall said: “The win has given us extra belief and I don’t see why we can’t get another three points on Wednesday.”