BLACKBURN Rovers star Tom Cairney is happy to continue being Gary Bowyer’s go-to-guy in midfield – as he believes he can stamp his mark on a match no matter where he plays.

Rovers’ reigning player of the year has not played in the same position for two league games running this season.

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But that has not stopped Cairney – who has operated on the right, in a two, in the hole and, in Saturday’s win over Wigan Athletic, as part of a three – from scoring two goal-of-the-season contenders, providing two assists and being nominated for the Championship player of the month award.

And, with some justification, the 23-year-old says that shows he can be effective whatever position Rovers boss Bowyer selects him in.

“I’m enjoying it and it was nice to get nominated for the player of the month award as it’s a big accolade,” said Cairney, who was pipped to the August prize by red-hot Charlton Athletic striker Igor Vetokele.

“I didn’t win it but just to be one of those four players out of the whole of the Championship was brilliant.

“I’ve played a lot of positions – I’m not sure if I’ve played in the same position two games running – but I don’t mind.

“The gaffer can put me anywhere in midfield and I will try to do what I do best, play to my strengths and try and help the team.”

“My two goals have come from the right and playing there allows me to get into those positions but when I play in the middle I can find people – like when Ben Marshall played in the hole on Saturday – or put people through.

“It just depends where the gaffer plays me but wherever that is I’ll continue to try and create and score goals for the team.”

Cairney, who sits top of the Rovers averages for tackles and key passes per game, was instrumental in the 3-1 home victory over Wigan on Saturday.

And the Scotland U21s international reckons there is no reason why Bowyer’s side cannot follow that up with a win over Derby County at Ewood Park tomorrow and stretch their unbeaten home league run to 10 matches.

“Derby got to the play-off final last season and they are going to be even stronger this year but we’ve taken a lot of confidence from the Wigan game,” said Cairney.

“If we can perform like that again, and show the same energy and ability, then there’s no reason why we can’t turn them over as well.

“What we want to do is try and turn Ewood into a fortress.

“Cardiff City came here on the opening day and, although they got a draw, we moved the ball well and passed them off the park. Then we beat Bournemouth and then beat Wigan on Saturday.

“It was a big win and a big performance as Wigan will be there or thereabouts this season.

“For us to beat them is very promising.”