TONY Mowbray believes League One has been an ‘eye opener’ for Peter Whittingham but he has backed the midfielder to find his best form.

Whittingham arrived at Ewood Park in the summer from Cardiff City to a real fanfare among supporters.

However, the 32-year-old is yet to hit top form in a Rovers shirt despite having started the last three matches.

Whittingham was Mowbray’s first signing of the summer and after 10 years with the Bluebirds, the Rovers boss admits it has taken some time for the left-footer to adjust to his new surroundings.

“I think that’s fair,” Mowbray said when asked if the Rovers fans were yet to see the best of Whittingham.

“He’s undoubtedly a very talented footballer, I can see that in training every day.

“Where the Championship is more tactical, this league is more energy, up and at them, tackling, winning challenges and getting the ball forward.

“I think it’s a bit of an eye opener for him, but I am trying to filter him in to the team, acclimatise and get him going.”

Whittingham scored 98 goals during his time with Cardiff but is still waiting for his first Rovers goal.

He twice went close against Oldham, including one effort which hit the crossbar, and Mowbray added: “He looks a wonderful footballer in training, I know that he can score goals. He had two efforts at goal the other day, one went just past the post and the other hit the crossbar.

“If we can get him high enough up the pitch then I think he can threaten the goal.

“He has to win me over and help the team win football matches and then when the team is confident and playing higher up the pitch and not sitting deep you will be able to see his left foot threatening the opposition goal.

“At this moment he’s part of the defensive block that we have been putting in front of teams and is 60 or 70 yards away from goal, that’s about the balance of how we have to set up. We will try and find a way of getting Peter higher up the pitch and we will see then whether the fans like what they see when he’s in full flow.”

Whittingham is expected to keep his place in the team when Plymouth visit tonight with Corry Evans sidelined by an ankle injury. Defender Paul Downing is also out.

Mowbray said of the injured pair: “They are not far away. I hope that both will be able to train on Thursday and be in contention for the weekend.”