GALLAGHER SHOWS HIS CLASS

AFTER a serious injury and a disappointing loan spell at MK Dons stalled his career slightly, Sam Gallagher arrived at Ewood Park with a bit to prove this season.

And Tuesday night showed him at best powerful, clinical best.

The 21-year-old has all the attributes to be a top-class forward and he showed his promise with a cool finish for his first goal and superb positioning for his second.

With Antony Stokes fit and on the bench, the pressure is on for him to keep the form going.

CLEAN SHEET SHAME

Saturday’s stalemate with Ipswich had one redeeming feature - Rovers’ first shutout of the season. And they looked set to add another against Forest until Jason Steele’s injury-time error.

It would be harsh to slam the keeper after his excellent performance against the Tractor Boys, but he will want to keep it clean again at Bristol City on Saturday.

A MUCH-NEEDED LIFT

Rovers jumped out of the drop zone for only the second time this season after Tuesday night’s win, and it will be interesting to see how much of a psychological boost that proves to be.

True, they are only a point clear of Wigan and Cardiff, but they are also only eight off the play-offs!
Let’s not get carried away, though. Staying above that line is the main aim at the moment.