 He made his full starting Premier League debut on 27 September, against Newcastle United at St. James' Park, getting an assist providing a cross for a headed goal for Christopher Samba.On 5 January 2009, he scored a free kick against Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup giving his team the lead, and on 4 February he assisted two goals against Sunderland in the FA Cup.On 11 April, he played in the Premier League for the first time since Sam Allardyce took charge of Blackburn.