Tony Mowbray feels Jack Rodwell will become ‘a big asset’ for Rovers after making his debut in the Carabao Cup defeat to Bournemouth.

The 27-year-old made a first competitive start in over a year in the 3-2 defeat, playing the opening hour anchoring the Rovers midfield.

Rodwell signed last month as a free agent and played once for the Under-23s before getting his first team bow.

He will now look to push on and make it in to the matchday squad for a Championship fixture, with Rovers having rested a number of senior men for the cup tie.

Asked for his verdict on Rodwell’s performance, Mowbray said: “It was his first professional start in a competitive game for a year, a long, long time.

“I’m pleased for Jack. It’s good that he’s back.

“I see his quality every day in training. He’s got lovely soft feet, 6’3”, is mobile and he will be a big asset moving forward for us I’m sure.

“He’s been getting himself fit, getting up to speed and trying to integrate himself into our club at this moment in time.

“You have to put it into context that it’s probably his first start really in a year or so.

“But from what I’ve seen he’s a good professional, a good lad who is working hard. He understands the demands we put on our team and he knows he has to fight to get into the side on a regular basis.

“What I saw is that quality and the fight to get into our team. Let’s see how he gets on in the near future.”