Former Rovers midfielder and local lad Adam Wharton earned rave reviews on his first Premier League start in four months.
The 21-year-old, who departed Ewood Park over a year ago, had been sidelined with a groin problem that required surgery.
Wharton impressed as Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 4-1 at Selhurst Park to continue their push towards the top half of the Premier League table.
“It was good to be involved in the goals but as long as the team wins, that is the main thing,” he told News Shopper. “Great to be involved, but the three points were more important.
“I thought I did alright, did some good things, lots to improve on as well. I’ll watch it back and see what I can do better. There were some good things, but the result was more important.
“Obviously, it wasn’t nice being injured and on the sidelines. I’ve been building my fitness back up, coming off the bench a few times. I’m delighted to have started and got a few minutes in my legs, I’m feeling good.
“Being out for so long, that feeling of scoring and hearing the crowd cheer is a feeling you can’t replicate anywhere else. The emotion of scoring important goals against good opposition makes you really happy.
“It was a top performance. We had to be patient at times but that is what you have to do against the top teams – be patient, wait for the right moments and take chances. We did that and it’s a great three points.”
Wharton was included in the England squad at the Euros last summer after making a seamless transition to top flight football.
New boss Thomas Tuchel, who succeeds Gareth Southgate in the hot seat, was in attendance at Selhurst Park to watch the action.
“There will always be people watching in the Premier League, no matter who you are playing," Wharton added.
"It doesn’t change anything, I am just focused on my game and trying to help the team. If he enjoys the performance then that is good.
“You have to go into every game to put your best performance in. If he is watching and you play well then great. If he’s not then he will probably see the highlights.”
Tuchel will soon announce his first squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia next month, but Palace boss Oliver Glasner called for patience with Wharton after his spell on the sidelines.
"Everybody knows what Adam can do but we have to be patient,” he told BBC Sport. "Since the final of the Euros he's struggled, he will get more minutes.
"He will get many games for the Three Lions in his career. I don't know if this will be the right moment in March after a long injury.
"Give him time, he is a young boy with a great talent. But at the end of the day, it will be Thomas Tuchel's decision."
