DAVID Raya says the whole Rovers squad have a part to play in their promotion push as Tony Mowbray’s side enjoy a weekend off ahead of a busy festive period.

Players who have been short of game-time were handed opportunities to impress during Rovers’ FA Cup first round win over Barnet and the Checkatrade Trophy penalty shoot-out defeat to Rochdale and Raya knows that competition for places in the league will be key as injuries and suspensions start to build.

“Everyone is important in this squad,” said Raya who is one of three Rovers players to have started every league game.

“You never know, you see now that we have players injured and players suspended so everyone is part of it.

“That’s the importance of the squad and everyone needs to be together and with each other until your chance comes you have to take it for yourself and for the team.”

Rovers moved back into the top six on goal difference after a 2-2 draw with Fleetwood in their last league game.

That was one of two games in hand they had on many of the sides in the top six mix, but Rovers could drop as low as 11th after this weekend’s fixtures.

Four of the five sides directly below them are in action, though Rovers will remain 11 points behind the automatic promotion spots whatever the results.

But for Rovers to remain in sixth Rotherham and Fleetwood would have to lose and Peterborough and Oxford fail to win.

Raya added: “It could go both ways – we have the international break with Walsall having international players.

“We can have a rest and get everyone back 100 per cent and if some teams around us lose then we could still be in the top six and up there with games in hand.

“We had a tough start but since then we have got the points and the wins that we needed and are in the top six now and are looking for what the next few weeks bring.”

The 22-year-old has now started 20 consecutive league games in goal for Rovers after being handed the gloves at the back end of last season.

He was given the chance to cement his spot as number one following the departure of Jason Steele and has helped Rovers record seven clean sheets in their opening 15 league games.

No team in the EFL has conceded fewer goals away from home than Rovers this season who will look to continue that impressive statistic when they head to Bury in eight days.

But, keen to share the credit, Raya said: “It’s not all because of me, the full team has been defending from the front.

“We have kept seven clean sheets out of 15 matches, conceded 12 goals, so I’m pleased with that and we have to carry on like that, defending like we have been recently so we can climb the table.

“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time, I’ve been around the first team for three years.

“I’ve waited for the chance to play and the gaffer has given me that chance to play and I just want to play football week in week out so it’s great to have that confidence from the gaffer. I’m pleased with it.”