ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at Ewood Park.

Man of the match

Elliott Bennett 7

His move in to a more central role coincided with Rovers starting to get a foothold in the game.

Used the ball well throughout, and showed plenty of intelligent movement off the ball.

Ran himself in to the ground, and tried his best to get in to the box as often as possible.

Jason Steele 5

Will rue his decision to come off his line as he conceded an early penalty.  Did his best to keep it out, those did make good saves from Cotterill and Shotton.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Surprise to see him start at right-back, and looked more comfortable when he moved in to the middle of defence.  

Gordon Greer 6

Recovered from a slow start as Rovers were cut open too easily, and put in a solid display on his return to the side.

Charlie Mulgrew 6

Lasted just 16 minutes before being forced off with a re-occurrence of his groin injury.  Rovers need to find a way of keeping himself fit.

Derrick Williams 7

Provided the cross for Graham’s equaliser, while also saw an effort from distance saved.  Really becoming a consistent performer in the back four.

Liam Feeney 6

Saw plenty of the ball, and always looked to be positive when running at his man.  But his final ball was inconsistent. 

Hope Akpan 6

Used his physicality well in the middle of the park, and got through plenty of work, but tired as the game wore on.

Jason Lowe 6

Couldn’t halt the Birmingham dominance in the middle of the pitch early on.  But his closing down and key tackles help Rovers build up ahead of steam after the half hour mark.

Sam Gallagher 6

Missed Rovers’ best chance of the second half when he fired over. Some strong runs, but most of them in off the flank after being switched out wide.

Danny Graham 7

Just where would Rovers be without his goals?  Clinical finish drew them level at a crucial stage of the game.  Was a handful all game up front.

Subs

Ryan Nyambe for Mulgrew, 16

Craig Conway for Gallagher, 83

Danny Guthrie for Akpan, 89

Not used: David Raya, Anthony Stokes, Connor Mahoney, Wes Brown