Corry Evans has praised the impact of midfielder Harrison Reed - but is pleased the emergence of the Southampton loanee hasn’t come at his expense.

Reed scored on his first start in the win at Stoke City and has caught the eye in his five outings.

But it is out wide where the 23-year-old has plied his trade so far, rather than his preferred central role.

Evans, and Richie Smallwood, have started 19 consecutive league matches in the middle of the park for Mowbray and have become his trusted lieutenants in that position.

“We have lots of competition in the squad and that’s healthy, there’s a great team spirit,” the 28-year-old said.

“Whoever comes in wants to do well and the manager has backed me and Richie so far but Harrison since he has come in has been fantastic.

“He’s played out of position a bit but he’s given us a balance out wide on the right side to keep the ball a bit better.”

Evans chalked up his 150th start for Rovers in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. He has been an ever present so far after playing the final nine matches of last season and become a key cog in the Rovers machine.

The Northern Ireland international has welcomed the positive mood around the club, with Rovers unbeaten in 25 home league matches.

He added: “I’ve been here for a while now and seen a massive change from when I first signed.

“The relegation year wasn’t great but we got back in touch with the fans last year after promotion, you could see with the away support which was phenomenal, and it’s nice to have that back.

“At home, credit to the fans, they’ve turned up and helped us make it a bit of a fortress. The players bounce off that and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Rovers will aim to keep that run going against a Sheffield United side who have started the season in strong fashion.

They just missed out on a play-off spot last term after promotion from League One in 2016/17.

And Evans said: “They are a well drilled team, we have seen that. They had a similar season last year when they came up using their momentum and were unlucky not to finish in the play-offs. I think they have strengthened again this summer, made some good signings and think it will be a difficult game.”