Jack Rodwell felt he took a step forward with getting 90 minutes under his belt for Rovers Under-23s in their 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

It was Rodwell’s first outing in Rovers colours after signing a one-year deal last month.

The 27-year-old helped Rovers to a first clean sheet of the season as he operated in the centre of a back three at Ewood Park as Damien Johnson’s side dominated for the most part.

Rodwell admitted he would be willing to play again for the Under-23s in a bid to step-up his fitness as he looks to push towards contention for a first-team place.

“I’m getting better every day. This was the first step.

“I’m feeling fit, and it was great to get 90 minutes under my belt.

“Me and the manager have a good relationship, we talk on the training pitch, and we are assessing it day by day.

“It felt really good. When the manager (Tony Mowbray) asked me to play I felt it was a good chance to get minutes under my belt and I got the full 90 which was really good.

“It was great to be out there.

“He told me to see how I felt in the game and let the manager (Damien Johnson) know but I felt good and wanted to continue.”

Rodwell isn’t getting carried away though after his first outing for Rovers, knowing he still has a way to go before forcing his way in to Mowbray’s first-team plans.

“I realise I’ve got to be patient,” he added.

“I haven’t played much this last season so it will take time but I’m feeling better every day.

“It was a great step to play 90 minutes.

“You can train every day but match fitness is what you need to help me push forward.

“Getting the feel of getting over that white line and playing in the team and enjoying it.

“I thought the lads did well, I felt we should have won the game, we all came in disappointed.

“To be back around that atmosphere again was good.”

Rodwell has played much of his career in central midfield, but Mowbray has indicated it is in central defence where he sees his future.

But the former Everton and Manchester City man isn’t ruling out playing in both roles should it be necessary.

“I’m flexible, I can play both positions and have told the manager that,” he added.

“I’m happy to help the team wherever whether that’s at the back or in midfield.

“That’s something for the manager to decide, I’m comfortable in either.

“I’ve played most of my career in midfield but prior to playing professionally most of my Academy football I was a defender.

“There are pros and cons to both. Sometimes you like to be a bit more involved in midfield, others I like to be at the back so I can read the game so I like both.”