‘Adam is Prem quality’

Blackburn Birmingham

BLACKBURN boss Tony Mowbray backed Adam Armstrong to star in the Premier League following the striker’s THIRD hat-trick of the season.

Armstrong reached 28 Championship goals for the campaign, as Rovers came from behind to sign off with a thumping win.

And the striker (below) will be a wanted man this summer with a host of top-flight clubs eyeing his signature.

“Teams will look at him and that’s all right,” admitted Mowbray.

“For Adam’s sake let’s hope the phone rings and someone offers him a load of money to go to the Premier League and we shake his hand and wish him good luck. He’s a brilliant kid and a brilliant human being.”

The visitors were gifted the lead midway through the half. A routine cross was dropped by Thomas Kaminski, and Kristian Pedersen tapped in.

Blackburn’s response was swift and incisive, Armstrong converting from the spot after Jonathan Leko tripped Amari’i Bell, and Ben Brereton racing clear to slot beyond Connal Trueman on half-time.

Sub Lukas Jutkiewicz headed Birmingham level but Armstrong struck again from long range, with Harvey Elliott adding the fourth with a delightful dink.

Armstrong completed his treble with a smart turn and finish.

BLACKBURN: Kaminski 5, Nyambe 7, Lenihan 6, Harwood-Bellis 6 (Ayala 58, 6), Bell 7, Travis 6, Davenport 6 (Elliott 58, 7), Buckley 7 (Evans 74, 5), Gallagher 7 (Downing 58, 6), Brereton 7 (Dolan 67, 6), Armstrong 9. BIRMINGHAM: Trueman 7, Pedersen 7, Dacres-Cogley 6, Gordon 6, Seddon 7, Harper 6 (McGree 76), Gardner 7, Stirk 7 (San Jose 82), Leko 6 (Halilovic 45, 7), Cosgrove 6 (Jutkiewicz 45, 7), Miller 6 (Simmonds 79).

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Adam Armstrong. His movement and finishing proved the difference, with his brilliant hat-trick.

REFEREE: Keith Stroud 7.