Richie Smallwood is in line to make his 50th consecutive Rovers start tonight and isn’t about to give his shirt up without a fight.

Smallwood was an ever-present in the league last season after joining from Rotherham United and has started the opening three matches this term.

Start number 50 should come against Reading at Ewood Park tonight, and while Tony Mowbray has made no secret of his desire to strengthen, the midfielder isn’t ready to miss out just yet.

“I have no intention of giving up my shirt,” the 27-year-old told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I try my best every time that I’m picked and hopefully that’s enough to keep me warranting a shirt.

“Thankfully so far it has and hopefully Wednesday and Saturday it will be the same.

“I like to play games, me personally I’d want Saturday-Tuesday every week.

“I like putting on the shirt, seeing the family and then putting in a shift and walking after 60, 70 or 90 minutes knowing I’ve given it my all.”

Smallwood had a rare night off last Tuesday as he was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup win at Carlisle United.

But he was back in the starting XI for the weekend trip to Hull City where Rovers won their first league match of the season.

“I was glad to reclaim my shirt from Saturday and put in a shift on Saturday and thankfully we came out with all three points,” Smallwood added.

“It was hard work, you could probably see that in myself in the last 10 minute.

“It was a big pitch, clammy and work, and at times they got through us so it was a hard shift but I knew we had the quality to hurt them and we got that well timed goal.

“The first 20 or 25 minutes I thought we were brilliant and had some really good chances.

“Second half we had a couple more chances, so it could have been two or 3-0, but we’re happy with 1-0.”

Rovers will look to build on their win over the Tigers when they welcome winless Reading to Ewood tonight.

The Royals have lost each of their opening three matches by one goal, including in a televised opener against Derby County.

On that occasion they let a 1-0 lead slip before conceding in the last minute to lose 2-1.

But acknowledging their threat, Smallwood added: “I remember watching them on the opening day of the season and thought they were very unlucky.

“We know they have quality and you could say it’s only a matter of time before they do.

“But hopefully that’s not Wednesday.

“It would give the home crowd something to shout about, they will be there in their numbers getting behind us and giving us confidence like they normally do.

“We’re hoping to send them away with three points.”