Allardyce began his reign at Ewood Park with a 3-0 win over Stoke City

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce thinks Stoke City have ensured their Premier League survival after the Potters' 1-0 win against his side on Saturday.

A late goal from Liam Lawrence took Stoke to 39 points, nine above the drop zone, and up to 12th in the table.

Allardyce told BBC Radio Stoke: "They are still catchable if they lose all their games and we win three of ours.

"Obviously we look to the Wigan game next week to start that process. But I think Stoke are safe now."

The victory was Stoke's ninth at home this season, and Allardyce believes their superb record at the Britannia Stadium is due to their supporters.

"They're so up for being in the Premier League for the first year that the fans come and cheer throughout the game, until the very last whistle," he said.

"They'll try and intimidate anybody along the way, whether it be the players or the referee.

"They do it exceptionally well. That was their ninth win at home and you can't knock that record."

Blackburn are one place above the bottom three, three points ahead of 18th-placed Middlesbrough with five matches left to play.

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