TONY Mowbray says that first-team returns for Elliott Ward and Tommie Hoban could well depend on the form of his current central defensive duo.
Ward and Hoban both stepped up their comebacks from long-term injuries with appearances for Rovers Under-23s against Cardiff on Monday.
Ward hasn’t featured since the opening day defeat to Norwich, while Watford loanee Hoban has been sidelined since October following shoulder surgery.
But Mowbray says the form of Darragh Lenihan and Charlie Mulgrew could well dictate how soon the returning pair are included again in the first-team picture.
“In my mind the thing that is potentially keeping them out is that the boys that have the shirts kept a clean sheet the other night, worked extremely hard and have taken on board what I asked,” said Mowbray.
“For me it’s ideal because the team is doing well and those lads are getting extra time to train and get their match legs back.
“We’ll see what happens over the next week or two and if another (Under-23) game comes along then I’ve no doubt they will be knocking on my door asking for more game-time.
“It’s one I will play by ear and I hope we can keep our defensive unit as compact as it was the other night.”
On their 90-minute performances against Cardiff Mowbray added: “I think Ward shows lovely composure, Hoban is a bit like Lenihan, a warrior who doesn’t want to concede goals and wants to engage with his centre forward.
“I think it’s a strong area for us. After a win you don’t look to change your central defenders, you look to give them the confidence and belief that they can see results out.”
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