ROVERS boss Paul Lambert has hailed the form of Ben Marshall, but admits that full-back is an area the club need to look at strengthening.

Thursday’s loan deadline passed without any new additions at Ewood Park, but finding cover for the right and left-back areas is something Lambert is likely to prioritise in the summer.

But for now he is more happy with the performances of Marshall at right-back.

After taking over at Ewood in November Lambert initially planned to move Marshall further forward, after the former Leicester City man had featured regularly at the back under Gary Bowyer, and for the first seven games Adam Henley reclaimed the right-back spot.

But Marshall was back in for the New Year and he has made that position his own since, and now admits he is perfectly happy to stay there.

Marshall’s six goals also make him top scorer of those players still at Rovers, and Lambert has been delighted with his contribution, especially going forward.

“I think going forward Ben’s excellent,” said the Rovers chief.

“He’s an offensive full-back, playing really, really well, and I think Ben is another one who is really enjoying his football at this moment in time.

“The last couple of months I couldn’t have asked any more from them. They’ve played really well. But Ben Marshall is certainly up there.”

And Lambert is confident that the 24-year-old can still get better, whether that is a right-back or further up the pitch, adding: “He’s chipped in with a few massive goals for us and I think he enjoys the responsibility. And he’s still relatively young, still a lot of learning and development to come from him, but at this minute in time he’s playing very well.”

The permanent addition of Elliott Ward has left Lambert happy with his central defensive options, but cover at full-back is something he is looking at for the summer.

Marshall and Henley have tended to share right-back duties this season, but with Markus Olsson departed Tommy Spurr is now the only recognised left-back on the books, although Henley can also operate there if required.

“I still think we need cover at left and right-back areas,” Lambert said of his plans to strengthen the squad.

“I know Adam (Henley) can do right-back and left-back but I still think we need somebody who is naturally left-sided to help Tommy (Spurr) as well.

“I think that’s an area the club needs to look at. Centre-back I think we’re solid. I think we’ve got four really good centre-backs.”