Ashley Young scored twice to help Aston Villa beat Blackburn 4-1 and edge away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Young broke the deadlock in the 49th minute with a penalty after he was brought down by Keith Andrews.
Two goals in two minutes, a Grant Hanley own goal and a Stewart Downing run and finish, put Villa 3-0 up after 64 minutes.
Nikola Kalinic's deflected strike gave Blackburn a glimmer of hope, which was almost immediately extinguished when Villa captain Young scored his second a minute later from Downing's cross.
Blackburn had captain Ryan Nelsen sent off late on for his second yellow card after fouling Young.
The win moved Villa up to 12th, one place above Blackburn and five points clear of the relegation zone.
Young, who scored his first goal for England this month, is captaining Villa in the absence of the injured Stiliyan Petrov.
''Ashley is an inspiring leader when he is on the pitch,'' Villa manager Gerard Houllier said. ''As the game goes on, his efficiency and work-rate goes on as well and does not diminish.''
And Houllier was also quick to praise veteran midfielder Robert Pires for his display.
''It was his best game for Villa. He was more confident at taking the ball,'' Houllier said.
