John Eustace was delighted with Rovers’ defensive efforts at Middlesbrough after switching to a back four.

Eustace has gone with a back five in recent weeks but made the tactical tweak at the Riverside Stadium, keeping a clean sheet against 10th-place Boro to secure what could prove to be a precious point on the road.

“We had a good week on the training field and the lads have been excellent – the way they have worked and listened to the instructions,” said the head coach.

“Also, they are an intelligent group of players and the commitment they have shown in the last four of five weeks has been outstanding, without getting the rub of the green at times. We could have easily had two or three more wins.

“With the shape, we worked tirelessly on that for three days – with and without the ball – and you could see that coming out.”

Rovers also got into some good positions in the final third but couldn’t quite provide the final touch to secure all three points.

“We are disappointed not to win the game, I think we had the better opportunities,” Eustace continued.

“Obviously, in the last minute of the game they had a golden chance to go and win but I think that would have been very unfair.

“The way the boys defended – not just the back four but the midfielders and strikers collectively – was outstanding and we deserved our clean sheet.”

Sondre Tronstad returned in midfield against Michael Carrick’s side, playing a holding role alongside John Buckley.

The 28-year-old had missed the past few matches due to an ankle problem, and Eustace was pleased to have him back in the side.

“Sonny is a top player,” he stated. “Obviously, he has been missing for the last three or four games but John Buckley, Yasin Ayari and Andy Moran have come in and done a fine job in there.

“We know Sonny is a very good player and I think he was outstanding.”