Scott Wharton is relishing playing under John Eustace and hopes he can finish the season strongly as Rovers aim to pull away from the drop zone.

Eustace has helped the side tighten up since his arrival in East Lancashire, conceding two goals in their last three matches including a clean sheet at Middlesbrough.

Wharton has been a key figure alongside Dom Hyam at the heart of defence in recent weeks and is keen to keep improving.

“I feel like (Eustace) has boosted me and my confidence,” the centre-back told RoversTV.

“I have been performing better and enjoying my football, he has given me a lift. Hopefully, I can continue to put in decent performances.”

Wharton made his 100th Rovers appearance against Middlesbrough, having progressed through the club’s Academy ranks.

“To play 100 games for my hometown team is brilliant,” he beamed. “There have been ups and downs along the way but that is part of football.

“I have been thinking about the games I have played and how far I have come – making my debut so young and then having a few years where I didn’t really feature.

“I got back on the bench and then, all of a sudden, snapped my Achilles. It is all part of the journey and you have got to come back from setbacks.

“The Coventry away game when Tony Mowbray was in charge (Wharton thought he had scored the winner but Viktor Gyokeres struck in stoppage time) - I have never felt such a high after scoring that goal to coming off the pitch deflated.

“But that is football, it is not all fun and games. Hopefully, there are many more appearances and I can keep enjoying my time at the club.”

The 26-year-old made his senior debut in a 2-2 draw against Burton Albion at Ewood Park in August 2016.

He also had loan spells with Cambridge, Lincoln, Bury and Northampton before becoming established at his hometown club.

“I wouldn’t change the way I have done it, I have enjoyed it so far and had success out on loan,” Wharton reflected.

“I came back here and had to earn my place in the team and the squad. I think I have done that and to get to 100 appearances is fantastic.

“Every time I step onto the pitch, I try to give it my all for the club and for the badge. It is the club I support and I want to be here. I enjoy it and want to work hard.”

Rovers currently sit 17th in the Championship table, with a three-point cushion above the bottom three heading into the final eight games.

“This season has not been what we wanted after the last two seasons, where we performed pretty well and should have ideally got to the play-offs,” said the defender.

“If we can stay in the league – that has got to be the goal because everyone is aware of the situation – hopefully, we can start fresh next year and push on from there.”