A GOOD luck message from Fabrice Muamba was read out in the dressing room moments before Saturday’s derby victory.

The Wanderers midfielder sent a short note from his hospital bed wishing the team good luck, and is understood to have watched highlights of the game on Saturday evening at the London Chest Hospital. David Wheater’s two first-half headers put the Whites on their way to a vital three points, which takes the club out of the bottom three.

Steven Nzonzi did halve the deficit for Rovers but Owen Coyle’s side held firm in the latter stages to register a double over their local rivals, who have themselves been dragged right back into the relegation mix after a spell of good form.

Coyle had expressed worries that his side may not be in the right mental state for the derby, which went ahead with the wishes of Muamba’s family.

But his concerns proved unfounded as the Whites produced a confident performance in trying circumstances.

“Prior to the game it was the shortest team-talk ever,” the manager said.

“We met Wednesday as a group and I told the lads if there was anyone who felt they weren’t up for playing just to tell me, because I’d have no problem. They’d get whatever help they needed to get fit and ready to play.

“I checked again on Thursday and then Friday I went round every one of them in a small sided game because I wanted to name my team.

“That sense of camaraderie went round every one of them. They knew Fabrice was getting better so every one of them wanted to be involved.

“I didn’t want to be over-dramatic in the build up but Marcel had asked that we go out and represent Fabrice, so that’s all we needed to do.”

Coyle paid tribute to the 26,901 fans who packed into the Reebok to generate a celebratory atmosphere.

“I was very fortunate to experience some marvellous atmospheres at Bolton, and it’s definitely something we’re trying to build,” he said.

“Today was special for a reason and I have to say a massive thanks not only to our fans but also to the Blackburn supporters too because they were magnificent. There were neutrals here too, not to see the football match but to support Fabrice. It’s heartening and humbling in many ways.

“We won a game 2-1 but the supporters were an absolute credit to themselves. I’m sure Fabrice would have felt that energy.”

Wanderers move a point clear of the relegation zone after a fourth home win of the season, and Coyle remains positive his team can stay out of trouble in the final nine games.

“In a football sense, it was certainly a massive game and a big win for us,” he said after Saturday’s game. “I’m not sure Liverpool are helping our cause because they have lost to Wigan but that’s the nature of football, you have to help yourself.

“I said to the lads that if we play like that every week then we’ll win enough points to stay in the Premier League.”