Manager Sam Allardyce paid tribute to his players after Blackburn reached the 40-point mark by beating Portsmouth at Ewood Park.

Goals from Morten Gamst Pedersen and Benni McCarthy (penalty) secured the victory and almost certainly the club's Barclays Premier League status.

Allardyce said: "I am going to enjoy it and hope the players do so as well. You`ve got to give them credit."

Pedersen opened the scoring in the 30th minute with his first goal of the season. England goalkeeper David James failed to deal with a challenge from Chris Samba following a cross from Stephen Warnock and the ball broke to Pedersen, who forced it home.

McCarthy then secured the points from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after Hermann Hreidarsson had handled the ball in the area.