DAVID Raya was quick to praise the defensive efforts of the whole team as Rovers picked up a third straight clean sheet on the road.

Raya made several fine stops in difficult conditions at Glanford Park as Tony Mowbray’s side recorded a 1-0 win, their fourth consecutive league victory.

Rovers have now won, and kept clean sheets, in each of their last three away games against sides who had three of the top five home records in League One last season.

But Raya says the glory should be shared among the whole squad, and not reserved for him.

“The clean sheet is not just mine or the defence, it’s the whole team,” the Spaniard said.

“You are working hard from the strikers to the goalkeepers so full credit to the team.

“It feels great coming to a difficult place like this and getting the three points and a clean sheet.

“The team worked really hard the last few games and we have got the results which is the most important thing.

“It’s a tough place to come on a rainy night, difficult conditions, and they were in the top six last year so are a really good team.

“Coming out of the game with three points and a clean sheet was good and we have to keep it going now.”

The 21-year-old has made eight appearances for Rovers this season, having started the final five fixtures of last season.

He has been handed the number one shirt by Mowbray following the departure of Jason Steele to Sunderland, and is keen to take the opportunity which has been presented to him.

Raya signed a new long-term contract with the club earlier this year, and his patience at playing second fiddle to Steele for much of the last two seasons is now being rewarded.

“I have waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” Raya explained.

“I’m enjoying playing and it’s a great group of players and lads.

“That’s what we’re going to try and do, win as many games as possible.

“Obviously we don’t want to drop points but sometimes we might look for a draw so to not lose games.

“It feels great to have kept three clean sheets, second one in a row, and let’s see if we can get a third one in a row on Saturday.”

Rovers have bounced back from defeats in their opening two League One matches to pick up 12 points from their next four games.

They will be looking to extend that run when AFC Wimbledon arrive at Ewood Park on Saturday, and Raya added: “The first two games of the season we didn’t know what the league was about.

“We have got in to the league now and seen what it’s like.

“We have done well after those first two games, working hard, and the gaffer has been good with us.

“All credit to the lads and the management.

The monsoon-like conditions in North Lincolnshire are a far cry from Raya’s upbringing in Barcelona.

But Raya, added: “You get used to it, but the weather in England you’re always going to get night’s like that.

“I took my towel out with me, and the gloves do the rest.”