Santa Cruz glad of Rovers return

Roque Santa Cruz admits his time at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini has been a “frustrating period” after he rejoined Blackburn on loan until the end of the season.

The Paraguay striker yesterday returned to Ewood Park, 18 months after leaving for City in a £17.5m deal.

The 29-year-old has found himself behind the likes of Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Emmanuel Adebayor in the pecking order at Eastlands and has struggled to make an impact under Mancini.

Santa Cruz said: “I felt a bit ignored by the manager. It’s been hard not to play, not to be chosen, even though I feel great.

“It’s frustrating, I’ve been playing a lot through the years with small injuries and just when I feel perfect to play and perform I wasn’t selected.

“I feel like I am coming home, this has been the easiest decision of my career.

“I want to get playing and scoring goals again and this is a real chance for me to prove myself after a frustrating period. Everyone knows what Blackburn Rovers means to me.”