Amari’i Bell is enjoying his longest run in the Rovers side and is determined to hold off the challenge of fit-again Derrick Williams.

Bell has started Rovers’ last seven matches with Williams sidelined by a foot problem, but the latter has overcome the injury and is fit for tomorrow’s visit of Aston Villa.

And the defender believes the level of competition across the board, not just at left back, is driving the whole squad forward.

“The competition in the team, not just in my position, but throughout the team, is good,” Bell told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“It will be pushing not just me, but everyone in the squad.

“You never take your position for granted, you always have to be on your game, every day in training and then in every game you play because if you’re not then you will get taken out of the team.

“It does make a difference, especially for me, because when you have a good player in your position it makes you want to be even better.

“It spurs you on to do better in games and training.”

Bell is adjusting to his first taste of life in the Championship following three successive seasons in the third tier.

His form for Fleetwood Town prompted Rovers to spend around £300,000 on bringing him to Ewood Park.

He was used primarily as a wing-back by Fleetwood, but it is at left back where he has found a home in the majority of his 19 Rovers appearances.

And Bell says he’s learning more about his game by the week as he adjusts to life at a higher level.

“I played wing-back for a few seasons with Fleetwood so it has taken a bit of time to adjust back to being a full back,” he added.

“I’m learning that position again and even more. It is a good test.

“In League One I had got used to the league and it probably wasn’t pushing me to my limits but this league is definitely a step up.

“You’re defending more, the wingers are a lot better. So I have to keep working hard every day in training to get better.”

Rovers are back in action against Villa tomorrow, their first match since the 4-1 defeat at Bristol City on September 2.

Bell was part of a Rovers side who were uncharacteristically sloppy as they fell to their heaviest defeat under boss Tony Mowbray.

But after a two-week break, the defender is relishing the opportunity to put that right in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

“Everyone is feeling refreshed. We’ve had a lot of time to prepare for this game and are ready to go,” he added.