Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce praised the contribution of stand-in striker Christopher Samba after his side chalked up a vital victory against Tottenham.

The central defender was pushed into the attack into the second half when Jason Roberts was forced to come off with a foot injury.

Samba responded by setting up the equaliser for Benni McCarthy in the 81st minute. Then Andre Ooijer grabbed the winner three minutes from time when goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes failed to deal with a corner from El-Hadji Diouf.

It was just the boost Blackburn were looking in their battle to beat the drop. They had to dig deep after Robbie Keane opened the scoring for Tottenham from the penalty spot in the 29th minute. Gael Givet was punished for an apparent hand-ball after Aaron Lennon had delivered the cross.

However the game turned in the 79th minute when Wilson Palacios was sent off after collecting two yellow cards, both for challenges on David Dunn.

Allardyce said: ""It paid off, though, for us. Chris Samba was excellent and upset two good centre-halves.

Harry Redknapp responded: "I cannot believe what happened. I could not see them scoring. We were in complete control and I was looking to get a second."