Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has conceded he has struggled for form this season - and knows more hard work is the key for him.

The giant defender has struggled to recapture the form of his debut season at Ewood Park this term.

The 24-year-old has admitted he has failed to hit the heights and that this season has been the worst of his career.

"It's my first really poor season. I have to work on my consistency a little bit more during the season," Samba told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"It's not easy to keep up your performance in every game, but I am working on it and I can only get better."

Samba also believes Blackburn can qualify for Europe despite slipping nine points behind fifth-placed Everton at the weekend.

Blackburn face Liverpool and Manchester United in their next two games, but Samba is confident they can still reach their goal of qualifying for Europe.

"Of course we can make it to Europe," added Samba. "We've got five league games left and, for me, they are like five consecutive cup finals.

"We need a good finish to the season. We will give it everything we can and do our best, and we'll see at the end if it is good enough.

"But I think we have to improve in some areas. Our last pass has not always been exact and we need to work on that to create more chances."

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