Balazs Toth: Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper set for three months out with knee injury

Ismael didn’t hide his disappointment at Bristol City’s conduct when Toth twice went down injured in the match. Rovers were not given the ball back by the hosts when play resumed.

“He was clearly injured. I’ve never seen a goalkeeper wasting time just to put the ball out,” Ismael added.

“We were on the ball, and then it was out, and straight away he was treated. You could see clearly that it was a massive problem.

“With all the pressure we’ve got, we have to stay fair play. I can imagine in another situation if Bristol [City] would have been in that situation, they will exactly say the same.

“In this situation it’s so clear. We had an injured player, and now he will be out for a long time.”

Toth was replaced at Ashton Gate for the final few minutes by Aynsley Pears, who has not featured early April.

“It’s a chance now for Pearsy to step up,” Ismael said. “I think he was waiting a long time for that moment, so now, we have got an experienced number two goalkeeper in the Championship, and now it is time to come.”