Vince Grella has defended Blackburn's style of play, insisting their performance at Liverpool which was mocked by Rafael Benitez would provide a match for anyone in the Barclays Premier League.

Reds boss Benitez ridiculed the tactics of his opposite number Sam Allardyce in Blackburn's 2-1 defeat at Anfield last month, ironically suggesting Barcelona - regarded as the best footballing side in the world - were considering copying Rovers' style.

But Grella, who came on as a second-half substitute, feels Allardyce's team acquitted themselves well and with games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal to come between now and the end of the season, the former Torino midfielder believes Rovers should stick with the same approach.

"I've played football in Italy for a long time and to be labelled a long-ball specialist was a little bit offensive," Grella told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"But it's part of football. You've got to have thick skin.

"I'm a little bit disappointed. I thought we had a great game against Liverpool.

"I've seen it in Liverpool's players' eyes that it was a tough game for them and they couldn't wait for the final whistle.

"We played a good game. I think we gave away that goal just before half-time that let us down a little bit but it was a good performance by the team.

"I think we have also done it in the past against the big teams. It's just a matter of getting the results.

"We've had some good performances against the top teams but sometimes we haven't got the positive results that we needed.

"They won't be easy games coming up but I can't see why we can't produce an upset.

"If we can play like we did at Liverpool, we'll be tough opposition."

Grella's appearances for Blackburn have been limited by a series of injuries since he joined the club in 2008, but having seen veteran Spanish defender Michel Salgado start the last three league games after a slow start to his Rovers career, the Australia international is prepared to be patient.

"I'm feeling good. I understand that it's going to be a little more gradual getting back into the team because the team has been playing well and performing," Grella said.

"It's just good to be fit and out there. The manager knows that he can count on me for the time needed.

"Michel has been doing really well out there. He waited his turn with patience and he never lost professionalism and that is good to see from a player of such big pedigree.

"He was sometimes maybe not in the starting 11 but always training and conducting himself as a top professional.

"He has all the credentials to really settle into English football."