Steve Kean confident Jordan Rhodes will keep improving

Steve Kean is confident Jordan Rhodes will keep improving with age after the hotshot striker inspired Blackburn to the top of the npower Championship table.

Rovers' record signing from Huddersfield bagged a brace and turned provider for another as Kean's side saw off Bristol City 5-3.

"The great thing when you buy a quality striker is that when he gets a chance you expect him to score," said Kean.

"But there is much more to Jordan's game than finding the back of the net and he is open to plenty of improvement at such a young age."

Albert Adomah gave City a flying start after 48 seconds but Rhodes linked up with Nuno Gomes to open his account before the half-hour and returned the favour 10 minutes after half-time.

Stephen Pearson equalised for the hosts and Sam Baldock did likewise in response to a magnificent solo effort from fellow substitute Ruben Rochina before Rovers centre-back Scott Dann lashed home in stoppage time and Rhodes made hay on the counter attack as City pushed for another leveller.

Barnsley manager Keith Hill has tipped Blackpool for the Championship title despite watching the Tykes hold Ian Holloway's men to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining game at Oakwell.

After Craig Davies gave Barnsley a 14th-minute lead with a firm, low drive from 20 yards, Thomas Ince equalised on the half-hour mark, finishing well following a fine through-ball from Angel Martinez.

"I think Blackpool are an excellent side. For me, they're the best side in the division and I think they'll win the title this season," said Hill.

"For us to be able to compete with the honesty and ability we've shown is really pleasing."

Cardiff overcame Leeds 2-1 at home thanks to a Craig Bellamy free-kick and a Peter Whittingham penalty following Tom Lees' foul on Nicky Maynard, Rodolph Austin then pulling one back for the away side.

"We had 19 chances at goal and Paddy Kenny made three or four magnificent saves. On another day we could have scored four or five," said Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay.

Goals from Matt Mills and Kevin Davies gave Bolton just their second win of the season after they claimed a 2-1 victory over Watford, who narrowed the deficit through Lloyd Doyley.

Middlesbrough are up to seventh following their 2-0 triumph over Ipswich at the Riverside Stadium courtesy of a first-half goal from Luke Williams and a late one from Mustapha Carayol.

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson was left seething after his side' 5-2 defeat at Burnley.

"Pure and simple, we're conceding too many goals," said the Scot. "I either persevere or replace them (the defence)."

Elsewhere, Danny Ward's strike after 47 seconds gave Huddersfield a 1-0 win over Derby, Hull ran out comfortable 4-1 winners over Millwall, and Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten start in the league to five games after a 2-2 draw at home against Birmingham.

PA