And the Goodison manager said: “I think they need time, yes. You have to remember you are speaking about a 20-year-old boy and someone who has only just come into the English game.

“I had to make the changes as Tugay had too much control in midfield and I had to try and do something to change that.”

Louis Saha was handed his first start since moving to Everton, and Moyes added: “I thought Louis did some good things. We didn’t give him much service but hopefully the 90 minutes will have benefited him.”

Everton had a goal disallowed 15 minutes from time when James Vaughan’s header was ruled out for an infringement, but Moyes said: “I’ve not seen it so I can’t really comment.”

Meanwhile, Blackburn manager Paul Ince praised Robbie Fowler after the former Liverpool striker marked his Rovers debut by creating Olsson’s winner.

“It was a satisfying evening, and the only disappointing aspect was that it could have been more,” said Ince. “We played some glorious football in the first half.

“We should have put the game to bed, and that meant Everton were always in with a chance.

“Robbie was outstanding.

“He hasn’t played since December, and Tugay did very well too.

“The old men did well for us tonight.

“Robbie has been champing at the bit and maybe felt as though he had a point to prove.

“He made a difference tonight with the goal and had some lovely touches.”