Blackburn’s Beck ‘has bite mark’ after Osmajic clash

Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan insists team-mate Joe Rankin-Costello has his back after surviving a ‘horrible’ weekend scare.

Rovers ran out 4-1 winners at Southend United away on Saturday, but the win was overshadowed by a bite mark on youngster Louie Annesley’s finger after a clash with half-time substitute Odubajo Osemengie Osmajic.

The incident occurred during an off-the-ball confrontation between Annesley and the Southend forward, who made his debut as a second-half substitute.

Lenihan, back in the side after missing over two months with a knee injury, revealed Annesley was scared following the incident.

‘It was a really bad bite mark,’ he said. ‘A really deep one. Probably the deepest I’ve ever seen.’

Rankin-Costello, who offered Annesley his place in the team the day before the game, said the incident ‘put a bad taste in your mouth’.

‘It’s a bit scary because you never know what’s going to happen. It was a really nasty one,’ he said.

However, the midfielder has vowed to support Annesley after the youngster showed great character to play on despite the bite mark.

‘He’s a brave lad and he showed great courage to shake it off and play on,’ added Rankin-Costello.

Southend manager Sol Campbell played down the incident, saying Osmajic is not a dirty player and that he did not see the incident.

The FA are set to review the incident and could possibly take further disciplinary action.