Morten Gamst Pedersen admits Blackburn are in Premier League peril, but is backing them to respond positively to their mauling by Arsenal.

After showing signs of life in their basement battle, Rovers were given a rude awakening at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

A 7-1 thumping by the rampaging Gunners left Steve Kean's side shell-shocked and second from bottom in the top-flight table.

Time is running out on their efforts to pull clear of trouble, with there now just 14 games of the campaign remaining.

With only three points separating them safety, all is not lost at Ewood Park, but it is imperative that they take something from a home date with QPR this weekend, with Pedersen conceding that times are tough for Rovers right now.

"It's no secret we are struggling in the league," said the Norway midfielder.

"But we have to keep the focus in the right place or this is going to be difficult.

"We all feel exactly the same about the Arsenal game. We went through it on the training ground and we are not happy.

"Now it is much better to start the focus on the QPR game this weekend."