Midfielder Hope Akpan is confident he can go on a goal-scoring run after netting for Blackburn in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

The Nigeria international thought he had scored against Preston in boss Paul Lambert’s first game in charge but the strike went down as an own goal by North End goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 2-1 away win.

Rovers have been relying on striker Jordan Rhodes for goals this season but with Akpan opening his account against the Owls – along with Corry Evans – the burden could be about to be lifted.

The point secured against Wednesday could easily have been all three after the visitors only salvaged a draw thanks to a late Lucas Joao header.

“I was very pleased to get my first goal,” said Akpan. “I did a good job of convincing everyone I scored last week so it’s good to have got off the mark.

“Now the aim has got to be to get a few more before the end of the season. I have proved in the past that when I’ve got one, I can go on to get a few.

“And it’s something that we need. We’ve been saying since the start of the season that all the lads have got to chip in with goals.”

Rovers are now established in mid-table in the Championship after a slow start to the season and Lambert’s men are currently 26.00 to be promoted in May.