Blackburn manager hails Leeds United loanee Marcus Antonsson

Tony Mowbray, the manager of Blackburn Rovers, has extolled Marcus Antonsson after the forward had the PFA League One Player of the Month Award bestowed upon him following a series of impressive performances in November.

Last season, his first in English football, seldom saw first-team football afforded to Swedish forward Marcus Antonsson, 26. After acceding to a three-year contract at Elland Road in the summer of 2016, joining United from the Swedish Allsvenskan's Kalmar FF, Antonsson made merely 16 Championship appearances, with his solitary league goal of the season arising in a 2-0 away victory against Sheffield Wednesday in August 2016.

After ceaseless speculation that he may return to his native Sweden after a barren inaugural season in England, Antonsson saw an opportunity in a proposed loan move to recently relegated Blackburn Rovers. It is an opportunity that the Swede has subsequently grasped tenaciously.

In 14 League One starts this season, Antonsson has netted seven goals for Rovers, in addition to a goal in the FA Cup, whilst also registering an assist. Blackburn supporters are deeply appreciative of the forward's diligence, as is the club's manager Tony Mowbray, and his contribution has aided the Ewood Park outfit in their ascension to the play-offs.

Speaking of Antonsson in an interview with Blackburn's official club website, Mowbray said: "I think this club in particular have had plenty of Scandinavian footballers and Marcus fits into that group with a great attitude, he's a grafter and being someone who gets on with the job."

"He's a real credit to his profession. He just gets on with his job, keeps his head down and is a real attribute for us," Mowbray continued.

"His goals return this last month has been brilliant. He's been a good addition to the group and his personality fits in with everyone in the group," he added.

"Marcus is a joy to have around the place," concluded Mowbray.

Antonsson's stellar form has prompted many Leeds United supporters to express their desire for him to be recalled from his loan spell in Lancashire, but if this were to arise the consequences would be grievous for Blackburn's aspirations of an immediate return to the Championship.

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