TONY Mowbray has credited his Rovers players with creating a strong team spirit and feel-good factor around the club after admitting one or two ‘problems’ within the squad last year have been ‘ironed out’.

Helped by a five game winning run in the league which has moved Rovers to third in the table, the players have spoken about the close knit nature of the group both on and off the field.

There is also a stronger connection between the supporters and the squad this season and Mowbray admits everyone is in it together as they try and achieve their promotion aim.

Rovers face sixth-placed Charlton at Ewood Park this afternoon and Mowbray admits he demands a lot from his players but says consistent messages are helping forge the close bond.

“Credit goes to the players really because we have some experienced players who know what it takes to be involved in a successful team,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I think the consistent message as the manager that you give (helps) but ultimately they drive the team spirit, I think that is hugely improved this year.

“I think there were one or two issues and problems at the end of last season with one or two individuals that has been ironed out.

“I think now they’re a really tight group, I don’t feel or see any dissent among them regarding decisions, I try and make decisions with them on the planning of a month or a week and all work together.

“As long as they know we demand maximum effort on matchdays, no days where everyone is off the boil and if a team is good enough to beat us on that day we hold our hands up and say well done to them.

“But if someone is going to beat us they are going to have to work really, really hard to beat us.

“The team have bought in to that and I think they’re enjoying working hard and they understand that football is a running game and they are putting the effort in at the minute.”

Charlton are the only side currently in the top 12 that Rovers have yet to face, but they will be the highest placed opposition to arrive in East Lancashire sitting sixth.

Rovers are yet to be beaten by a side in the top half and Mowbray is looking for his side to continue that record against Karl Robinson’s side who the boss firmly believes will be in the promotion shake-up come May.

He added: “I like the fact it’s a big challenge and a game against one of the big teams.

“We have played most of the big teams away from home and this is a challenge for us against a team that I’m anticipating being right up there this year in our own back yard.

“Let’s see how we both approach it and who comes out on top but it will be a good game of football I’m sure.

“I think they have an experienced manager, they have some really good players, some good loans this year.

“They have got speed, size, technicality and I think they have probably been feeling some of what we have at home.

“They lost 1-0 to Portsmouth in their last game at home and I can imagine they would have had plenty of the ball, been knocking on the door but lost 1-0 as we did to AFC Wimbledon.

“They are difficult games but I would suggest they have speed and pace, (Josh) Magennis is a big physical threat, they will come and be positive and ask questions of us as I’m sure.

“We have to be up to that challenge, look forward to it and make them feel our qualities and strengths on the day.”