Tony Mowbray explained his decision to leave out Richie Smallwood for the first time since he joined the club was down to Rovers' packed schedule.

Smallwood had started 57 consecutive league games for Rovers but saw that come to an end in the 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

The 27-year-old had also been partnered by Corry Evans for the last 20 minutes, but the first time since March, Mowbray opted for a different central midfield pairing.

Jack Rodwell came in as one of four changes, while Southampton loanee Harrison Reed was moved in to a more central role, with Smallwood and Evans on the bench.

Charlie Mulgrew, Kasey Palmer and Joe Rothwell were all recalled to the starting XI as Mowbray reacted to the midweek defeat to Sheffield United.

Smallwood and Evans resumed their partnership for the final half an hour after being sent on as part of a double change in what was Rovers' seventh game in 21 days.

Explaining his team selection, Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It was based on six games in 21 days.

“At times you can’t keep asking him to go back to the well and there are times in games when I see him blowing hard but digging in and keep running.

“On the other side of the coin, if you have a squad of players, when do you trust them and actually put them on the grass?

“Otherwise we won’t have people that will believe in the coach when he says he believes in everybody.

“So I put them on and gave them that opportunity.”

Rovers were backed by a travelling support of 2,482 at the University of Bolton Stadium, despite the game being televised and adult tickets being priced at £30.

The players spent time after the final whistle celebrating with the fans behind the goal, with several throwing their shirts in to the crowd.

Mowbray admits the importance of that relationship is something he continues to stress to his players, while he also hopes to see the attendances at Ewood rise in the near future.

He added: “It’s something I stress to the players, they have to create an affinity with the supporters.

“They have to try and buy some goodwill back by exposing their souls. They have to show they care and want to play for this club.

“Then they should celebrate with the fans when they win.

“It’s a lot of money to pay to watch football, they travelled in big numbers, and I’m delighted for them.

“As I’ve said before, I hope there’s a day down the line when we can have 20,000 at Ewood every week and come and appreciate a team fighting for them and trying to win promotion back to the Premier League.”