Hidetoshi Nakata's season of discontent shows no signs of easing at a crucial stage of the campaign for Bolton.

The Japan midfielder has struggled to make an impression after arriving on loan from Fiorentina in the summer.

Handed just his sixth Barclays Premiership start at Ewood Park, Nakata lasted only 33 minutes before being sent off for two yellow cards.

It was not what he needed nor Bolton - considering Sam Allardyce's men are down on numbers with players away on African Nations Cup duty.

But the visitors dug in against their local rivals and managed to secure a point when the odds were stacked against them.

Blackburn had the majority of possession and created a number of chances but lacked a killer instinct.

But they started slowly and a moment of carelessness from Lucas Neill almost cost them dear after 10 minutes.

The Australian full-back tried to chest the ball back to Brad Friedel but instead laid it into the path of Kevin Davies.

He slammed in a powerful shot from close range but Friedel made a superb block - to Neill's relief.

Nakata then went into the book after clattering into Robbie Savage with an untidy challenge.

David Bentley drifted into the middle of the park in a bid to get Blackburn going in the 15th minute but he was wasteful, sending an intended pass to Michael Gray out of play.

Bolton found themselves on the back foot a minute later when Paul Dickov made space 20 yards out, only to shoot wide of the target.

Savage was left needing brief treatment in the 19th minute when his attempted clearance was blocked by Kevin Davies.

While there was plenty of commitment from both sides in the opening stages, flowing football was at a premium.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 33rd minute when Bolton were reduced to 10 men.

Nakata was sent off after a second yellow card. He was adjudged by referee Mike Riley to have gone in late on David Bentley and immediately dismissed.

Bolton boss Allardyce made a tactical switch three minutes later by taking off Borgetti and bringing on Ivan Campo.

The former Real Madrid star was no doubt introduced to stiffen up a side down on numbers - and it worked.

Blackburn, though stepped up the pressure and Emerton sent a header into the arms of Jussi Jaaskelainen following a cross from Dickov.

Bolton were finding it difficult to adjust after Nakata's dismissal and it was a quiet time for Friedel in the home goal as half time approached.

Blackburn almost took the lead in the 47th minute when Michael Gray sent in a deep cross from the left.

Brett Emerton peeled away for his marker and beat Jaaskelainen with his header only to see his effort come back off the underside of the bar.

These were difficult times for Bolton and O'Brien did well to head clear following a cross from Reid after a superb ball over the top from Savage.

Then Nelsen somehow managed to screw a shot wide in front of the posts after good work from Morten Gamst Pedersen and Bentley.

With Davies was being starved of service up front, Portuguese youngster Ricardo Vaz Te was brought on for Stelios Giannakopoulos, who had made little impact.

Vaz Te should have made the breakthrough four minutes later after being released by Davies but stumbled after going round Friedel and the chance was lost.

Blackburn sub Shefki Kuqi got on the end of a cross from Bentley only to send a firm header wide of the target in the 75th minute.

Former Rovers striker Matt Jansen was introduced into the action three minutes later but it was the home side who looked the stronger of the two teams.

Campo did well to hack clear a header from Nelsen in the 81st minute with Bolton stretched at the back, before substitute Bellamy saw his header go narrowly wide and Kuqi also went close.

Teams

Blackburn Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Gray, Emerton (Kuqi 64), Savage, Reid, Pedersen, Dickov (Bellamy 70), Bentley.

Subs Not Used: Khizanishvili, Enckelman, Tugay.

Booked: Reid, Bentley.

Bolton Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Ben Haim, N'Gotty, Gardner, Nolan, Fadiga (Jansen 78), Nakata, Giannakopoulos (Vaz Te 62), Davies, Borgetti (Campo 36).

Subs Not Used: Hunt, Walker.

Sent Off: Nakata (33).

Booked: Nakata, Fadiga, O'Brien, N'Gotty, Jaaskelainen.

Att: 18,180

Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).