His manager believes his contribution can go unnoticed, but Corry Evans is happy with his role out of the limelight.

The ‘Evans and Smallwood’ central midfield partnership is one that’s flourished in 2018, with the pair starting all but four of Rovers’ last 31 matches together in the middle of the park.

And while the pair might not grab the headlines, Evans believes their role and work within the team is respected and appreciated by team-mates and Tony Mowbray alike.

Both Evans and Smallwood have signed new deals at the club this year, and for now, have a firm grip on the central midfield berths.

“That’s part and parcel of football,” said of his role within the team possibly going unnoticed.

“I know what type of player I am and people might not recognise that, and see the headlines, the goals, the headlines, but I think myself and Richie are respected within the team and by the manager who appreciate the types of jobs we do.

“We’re happy to have it that way.

“One of my main strengths is being a team player, putting the team first and working hard to get the ball back and doing my job for the team.”

Only four players in the division to have played more than 15 games this season have averaged more interceptions per game than Evans this season, while his tackling statistics are also among the best in the division.

The 28-year-old is in to his sixth season at Rovers, having signed in 2013 from Hull City, and is expected to bring up appearance number 169 against Birmingham City this afternoon.

Mowbray has previously stated how he trusts both Evans and Smallwood to do the job he’s asking of them in front of the back four, which includes picking up positions when the team are on the attack in a bid to recycle the ball should moves break down.

And Evans added of Smallwood: “I think we know each other’s games.

“We are both hardworking players who put the team before ourselves.

“We make sacrifices and we back each other up well.

“If I miss a tackle then I know he’s going to be there behind me and vice versa.

“I think any player that comes in to the team has that and that’s what the manager looks for.

“We work really hard to help each other out.”

The Northern Ireland international netted just nine minutes in to his home debut against Bolton in August 2013, but it has been hard going in front of goal since.

He missed an excellent chance at Middlesbrough last weekend, and has just four to his name in Rovers colours.

But he added: “It’s hard in the position we play in this team, we’re the insurance in the midfield to back the ball up and keep it moving, recycling possession, as the manager calls us.

“That hinders us being able to get in to the box on the end of crosses.

“Who knows, hopefully I maybe score a few 30-yarders between now and the end of the season.”