There were some big performances, and individual milestones, for Rovers in their opening day draw at Ipswich Town.

So despite the disappointment of conceding an injury-time, Tony Mowbray took away plenty of positives.

The boss was pleased to see both Danny Graham and Bradley Dack off the mark with first-half strikes, while Darragh Lenihan was outstanding in central defence.

The Irishman agreed a new three-year deal in the summer, having had just 12 months to run on his previous contract.

Mowbray reckons Lenihan is destined to play in the top flight sooner or rather than later, and believes Rovers will need to keep pace with the Republic of Ireland internationals progress.

“That’s why it was so important that we kept him here and extended his contract,” Mowbray said of the Irishman who only made 14 appearances last season because of an ankle problem picked up on the opening day.

“This club has to move pretty fast if we are to keep Lenihan I would have to suggest.

“We’ve got to be threatening to get out of this division in the next few years because I have no fears that Lenihan will be playing in the Premier League in the next few years.

“Let’s see where Darragh can take his career and help take us to where we want to be.”

Rovers were behind after just five minutes when Ipswich’s main threat on the day Gwion Edwards headed them in to the lead.

But Mowbray’s men responded well, scoring twice in the space of nine minutes to turn the game on its head through Graham and Dack.

The pair shared 35 goals between them last season, but while Graham is vastly experienced in the Championship, the former Gillingham man was playing his first game at this level.

Mowbray said: “Bradley and Danny are off the mark which is great for them.

“Bradley, I have no fears about him having managed in the Championship for a lot of years, and having managed young (James) Maddison who has just gone to Leicester City for £24m, they are similar types of players, footballers that play with a freshness and belief in their talent.

“I’m sure Bradley will do great in this league.

“It’s great that him and Danny are off the mark and let’s get them ready for next week.”

Mowbray admits there were performances across the team which were worth noting.

He said: “There were so many positives to take - probably too many to mention. I thought (Darragh) Lenihan was a man mountain, (Charlie) Mulgrew won his headers and did his job.

 “Corry Evans was amazing and (Elliott) Bennett; what can I say? I say it every week - he’s a running machine and the heart and soul of the team.

 “That would have taken a lot out of the boys emotionally but there were some great performances so let’s have a good week of training, stay positive and look forward to the next game.”