Ryan was a steal

The New Zealand international, who joined Rovers on a free in the January transfer window, was exceptional on his full home debut against Chelsea in midweek.

Now Hughes looks set to keep faith with the Kiwi for tomorrow's Premiership clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside after being hugely impressed by the way the 27-year-old has adapted to the demands of English football.

The Rovers boss said: "Ryan has come in here on a free transfer and it's the best bit of business I have done.

"It just shows you do not have to spend millions to get good players.

"Ryan was excellent against Chelsea, but so was the whole team, and we will take a level of confidence that we can compete at the highest level."

Nelsen looked impressive alongside Andy Todd at the heart of Rovers' defence on Wednesday as Hughes experimented with a new 4-1-4-1 formation that also featured Aaron Mokoena in a holding midfield role.

Chelsea were restricted to just a handful of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities on the the night and Hughes may well stick with a similar formula again tomorrow as Rovers look to avenge the 4-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Middlesbrough earlier in the season.

"I thought it worked reasonably well but really it's down to the players, not tactics, and against Chelsea they were fantastic," said Hughes.

Rovers have tightened up considerably at the back since that defeat to Boro in October.

Hughes' side have conceded just 14 goals in their last 17 matches which is in stark contrast to their early season form when they shipped 25 goals in their first 11 games.

However, on the flip side, goalscoring still remains a major cause for concern with Rovers having mustered just 5 goals in their last 10 Premiership matches.

Jon Stead and Paul Gallagher didn't even make the bench on Wednesday night as Hughes started with Paul Dickov in a lone striking role.

But 20-year-old forward Jemal Johnson, who scored his first senior goal in last week's FA Cup win against Colchester, did make the 16 and he may well feature again tomorrow in some capacity after forcing his way up the pecking order recently.

"Jemal has impressed me with his effort and endeavour," said Hughes, who could also welcome back Garry Flitcroft after injury.

"Last weekend he was a pest to Colchester throughout and he also put his name to a very fine goal."