IT WAS only a last minute decision to put him on the bench but one Tony Mowbray was delighted with after Willem Tomlinson impressed off the bench in Rovers’ win at Peterborough United.

Tomlinson took his chance after central midfield Peter Whittingham and Corry Evans were forced off with calf and knee injuries respectively.

The teenager emerged from the dressing room at half-time to replace Evans and partner Richie Smallwood as Rovers turned a 1-0 deficit in to a 3-2 win.

In just his second league appearance for the club Tomlinson caught the eye with an energetic display in the middle of the park and is in pole position to keep his place for Tuesday’s FA Cup tie with Crewe Alexandra.

Mowbray was also quick to praise Smallwood who had a big hand in the second goal for Bradley Dack and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet since his summer move from Rotherham United.

The Rovers boss explained: “It was touch and go whether I went with Scott Wharton or go with another central midfielder and I only made the decision at the last minute to put an extra midfield player on the bench.

“I thought young Willem was very good when he came on, his precision passing, he passed forward and put in the challenges which is everything we want from our midfield players.

“Smallwood epitomised that, if you want a player in this league to do that job then Richie jumps out at you.

“Richie Smallwood, he’s always been a front foot footballer and has always played with his heart on his sleeve.

“It’s a balance football, you need the speed, the composure, the aggression, the power and Richie has a lot of those qualities but it was the delicacy of Bradley Dack that opened them up and won us the game.

“It’s an area where we have a few injuries and Elliott Bennett is suspended and Harry Chapman and Ben Gladwin are all midfield players that are out injured.

“We have to try and wrap a few up in cotton wool if we can.”

Rekeem Harper, on loan from West Brom, missed the ABAX Stadium win as he served his one match ban picked up in last weekend’s draw with Crewe.

He will be available for the Gresty Road replay but Mowbray admits that Tomlinson could get the nod after an impressive cameo showing.

When asked if the injuries to Whittingham and Evans opened the door for Harper’s return, Mowbray said: “Maybe, but I think maybe Willem would deserve another opportunity.

“When young players come in and do well I think you have to go with them to see if that was a flash in the pan or if he can keep up that level of performance.

“On that level of performance he deserves to stay in.”

On Evans and Whittingham Mowbray said: “They won’t make Tuesday I’m pretty sure.

“He (Whittingham) has pulled his calf and Corry has had six or seven stitches in a huge gash in his knee.”