Tony Mowbray is targeting a defensive improvement from his side, particularly from crosses, ahead of the trip to Bolton Wanderers.

Rovers have conceded nine goals in their last four matches, seven coming directly from crosses, as well as two penalties.

Mowbray knows those statistics will need to improve against a Bolton side who average 20 crosses per home game and pose a real threat from set plays.

That could see Rovers switch to a back three against Phil Parkinson’s men having done so in the second half of Wednesday’s defeat to Sheffield United.

Rovers kept three clean sheets in their opening five matches, but have just one shutout in all competitions since, in the 0-0 draw at Derby on September 18.

Keen to see an improvement, Mowbray said: “You have to defend crosses into your box better than we have in recent weeks.

“We want to get back to clean sheets, we started the season pretty well but have conceded twice in each of the last four games. That has to improve.

“It will be a tough selection on how we approach this game but we have to make sure we approach it right and don’t get outworked and see if we can use the bit of quality we have to unlock a really tough and hardworking team.”

Bolton sit 15th in the Championship, level on points with Rovers and boast wins over promotion-chasing pair West Brom and Derby already this term.

A 1-0 win over the Rams last weekend shows the danger they pose and Mowbray knows his side will need to match the hosts’ workrate if they are to stand a chance of coming out on top.

He added: “We have to be respectful that the opposition will work extremely hard.

“Looking at Bolton’s results, they beat Derby in their last home game and we felt the quality of Derby when we went to Pride Park and they are a really, really good side.

“Watching back their games, they will be a really tough nut to crack. They are well organised, work hard for each other and they get the ball forward early and put the ball in your box.”

Both sides will be looking to bounce back from midweek defeats in the final game before the international break.

Rovers saw their long unbeaten home league record ended by Sheffield United while Bolton lost at Stoke.

Mowbray is keen to see a reaction from his side but knows it won’t be easy to get three points at the University of Bolton Stadium.

“Every game stands on its own two feet,” he said. “If you look at Bolton’s results I think it would be wrong to think ‘oh, Bolton away, what a chance to get points’.

“They have shown this year they have been a real thorn in the side of some big established teams in this division and so I have no expectation other than a really tough team that ask questions of you.

“They are well organised behind the ball, play forward in to a big centre forward and have (Erhun) Oztumer in behind and if you’re not on your game he can find the top corner when he picks up the ball, he’s a talented guy.

“They are a big side, dangerous from set plays, they head the ball out of their own box, and get it up to their striker.

“I don’t sit think we will go there and have total domination. It’s a really tough nut to crack when I sit and analyse the opposition.”