Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three talking points from the FA Cup third round defeat to Hull City.

CORNER CONCERNS

Rovers have started 2018 as they ended 2017 - looking vulnerable from set plays.  They have rarely looked like conceding from open play ‎of late, but it is a different from corners. 

Without a recognised centre half alongside Charlie Mulgrew nor Danny Graham in attack, the problems were heightened. 

Michael Hector headed at straight at Jayson Leutwiler in the first half before Ola Aina headed home in the second, while Jarrod Bowen found the side netting when unmarked moments after.  

Rovers had looked to have cured the issue before rearing its head of late - so more work on the training ground looks like being the order of the day.

CENTRAL ISSUES 

What was an area in which Rovers had good strength in depth a week ago is starting to look stretched. 

In the space of five days Rekeem Harper has returned to his parent club, while Corry Evans (thigh) and Peter Whittingham (calf) have picked up injuries and have been short of their best form this season.

Richie Smallwood, rested in the cup, is one yellow card away from a two-match ban and the need for reinforcements has been heightened. 

Willem Tomlinson struggled against the Tigers but has shown enough in his league outings to suggest he can handle this level.  Lewis Travis’ versatility came in handy when Evans was forced off, but Mowbray may well be thinking about bringing in a more experienced option. 

SELECTION POLICY

Tony Mowbray’s options were limited given the unavailability within his ranks but as has been the norm this season, the changes in the cup competitions weren’t vast. 

David Raya and Richie Smallwood didn’t feature, but many of the senior players were involved, with Charlie Mulgrew starting for the third time in the competition. 

Hull made four alterations, one fewer than Rovers in a side which contained top scorer Jarrod Bowen, three Chelsea loanees, a Norwegian international in Markus Henriksen, the experienced David Marshall in goal, while Jackson Irvine, David Meyler and Fraizer Campbell were all used from the bench.

However, the game only showed real signs of life when Rovers sent on Danny Graham and Bradley Dack for the final half an hour.  Both certainly respected the competition, but their respective aspirations lie in the league.