It was only Samba’s fifth start in English football since his €590,000 move from Hertha Berlin in January, and Hughes admits he is amazed by the speed with which the Congo international has adapted.

Hughes said: “Chris has done marvellously well and I think he has been an extremely good bit of business on our part. He can jump, run, pass and he has got a real desire to defend.

“I remember sitting and speaking to him about having a few games then seeing if he could force his way into the team next season. But it has already happened because of the quality he has shown in training.”

Samba’s size has already afforded him cult status amongst Rovers fans and his influence is there for all to see with his side now flying high on the back of four straight defensive shut-outs.

Hughes added: “Chris is still just a young man and he is playing against good quality players who have a good knowledge of this league and what it takes to win FA Cup ties, but he has stood up to the challenge.”

However Hughes will have to make re-adjustments for the last eight clash with Manchester City at Ewood Park in 10 days’ time, with David Dunne missing out through suspension after picking up his fifth booking last night.

He will also be sweating over the availabilty of Samba’s defensive partner Stephen Warnock for Sunday’s trip to Bolton. Warnock was ill at half-time against Arsenal and had to be replaced by Zurab Khizanishvili.