Robbie Fowler is on a three-month pay as you play contract
Martin Olsson's 10th minute goal sent Blackburn into the fourth round of the Carling Cup at the expense of fellow Premier League outfit Everton.
Blackburn handed a debut to striker Robbie Fowler and his neat one-two set up defender Olsson who rifled the ball past Everton keeper Tim Howard.
James Vaughan thought he had equalised but his header was ruled out for a foul on substitute keeper Jason Brown.
Substitute Tim Cahill had a late chance to level but sent his header wide.
Both teams made a host of changes for the game, with Everton resting Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Yakubu and Leighton Baines and Blackburn making seven changes to the side which defeated Fulham at the weekend.
The home side made the brighter start and took the lead through Olsson, who linked up well with Fowler to open the scoring.
Blackburn were forced to make their first substitution of the night soon after keeper Paul Robinson was forced off with a calf injury to be replaced by Brown.
Matt Derbyshire came close to increasing Blackburn's lead soon after and Howard was also forced into a good save from Keith Treacy.
Everton had their first chance through Segundo Castillo but his shot was deflected wide while Toffees defender Phil Jagielka headed wide from Jack Rodwell's cross.
Fowler, on an initial three-month contract, came close to making it 2-0 on a couple of occasions but his lack of match practice showed as he wasted decent opportunities.
Everton sent on Cahill and Yakubu after the break but it was Derbyshire again who squandered an opportunity to double Blackburn's advantage.
The Blackburn striker sent a close-range shot wide before Cahill headed over from close range at the other end.
Both sides had late chances with Fowler sending a chip over the bar as his side held out to secure their passage into the fourth round.
Blackburn boss Paul Ince:
"The two old men (Robbie Fowler and Tuguy) were different class. Robbie was champing at the bit and keen to prove a point.
"I played him in a slightly deeper role and he did ever so well. He never lost a ball and had a couple of chances.
"He made a difference tonight and showed a lot of lovely touches. He is a natural goalscorer and you do not lose it. The signs are good."
Everton boss David Moyes:
"It was a disappointing performance. We put a strong team out to go through but unfortunately we did not do enough.
"But I have to give Blackburn credit. They played well and Tugay was the best player on the pitch.
"He controlled the game, especially in the first half, and we should have played much better."
Blackburn: Robinson (Brown 12), Simpson, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Olsson, Villanueva (Roque Santa Cruz 72), Kerimoglu, Warnock, Treacy (Pedersen 75), Derbyshire, Fowler.
Subs Not Used: Samba, Nelsen, Kane, Roberts.
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~02~RS~){kind=small}
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~02~RS~)
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Bookmark with:
What are these?