Amari’i Bell says the defeat to Bristol City showed just why Rovers can’t afford to make mistakes at Championship level.

Tony Mowbray’s side were beaten by the Robins before the international break, letting a one goal lead slip, including shipping three second half goals.

Rovers have had two weeks to stew on that result, before getting the chance to put it right against an Aston Villa side who also lost by the same scoreline last time out.

“When you lose in that manner you want to put things right as soon as you can so it has been hard,” the 24-year-old said.

“But it has given us extra time to prepare.

“The first half we had a few good chances which on another day we take.

“We didn’t and that is the case in this league.

“If you don’t take your chances then the opposition take theirs you end up on the wrong side of the result.

“So it was disappointing so there are lessons to learn.

“The quality of players in this league is a lot higher so you have to be ready, switched on and concentrated.

“We will learn from those mistakes that we made and be better in every game.”

Villa will pack their fans in to the Darwen End in what is expected to be the biggest Ewood Park crowd of the season so far.

But relishing the test against last season’s beaten play-off finalists, the full-back added: “It’s a big club with a big fanbase so I expect a big crowd.

“I’m sure our fans will give that extra 10 per cent to help us get a good result.

“It’s a massive club to play against so the boys are raring to go.

“But any game in this division is tough so we’re looking forward to it.”

Bell, who joined Rovers from Fleetwood came through the ranks at Birmingham City, and says even at junior ranks, a Midlands derby were always eventful affairs.

“Even when I was in the Under-18s and we used to play against them there was that bit of rivalry,” he said.

“There was a little bit of fight in those games.”

On paper, Rovers’ September schedule looks daunting, but Bell said: “Every game in the Championship is tough. Every one can beat everyone and we take each game as it comes.”