Elliott Bennett believes the arrival of Tony Mowbray has been one of Rovers’ best pieces of business in recent years and welcomed news of a possible new deal for the boss.

Bennett feels Mowbray has transformed the club on and off the pitch since taking charge in February 2017 with the club currently sitting 10th in the Championship heading into the international break.

The Lancashire Telegraph this week revealed Mowbray is set to be rewarded with a new contract, something Bennett feels the 54-year-old fully deserves.

“He will have been one of the biggest signings the club has made in recent times,” the 29-year-old midfielder said.

“Since he has come in the belief within the group, the feeling around the club, the way he’s reconnected the team with the fans has grown.

“The fans at this club want honest, hardworking players, and obviously show quality and win games, but first and foremost if you’re not winning games they want you to come off like you are a fan.

“That’s what we’re trying to do every day, every time we cross that white line it’s about giving your all to the shirt, to the man next to you and hoping that’s enough.

“I heard the news (about a potential new deal) and I’m delighted the case and hopefully the manager signs up for a long time and he can take the club to where he wants to go and where we all want it to go.”

Rovers suffered a rare league defeat last week, losing 2-0 to Sheffield United, but bounced back with three points at Bolton Wanderers last time out.

And Bennett is pleased to head into the weekend off on the back of a win, having lost 4-1 at Bristol City before September international break.

“No-one likes losing games but having two weeks to reflect on it was horrible” he recalled

“We said after the game against Sheffield United we needed a reaction.

“We have two weeks now to work hard and prepare for Leeds but it’s always nice to do that on the back of three points.”

Rovers have 18 points from 12 games so far this term and Bennett, an ever present in the league, feels they have gone under the radar somewhat after promotion from League One.

He added: “If you look at it, there is a lot of talk about how well Brentford have done, how well Derby have done under Frank Lampard but 12 games in and we’re sitting on the same number of points.

“Maybe people aren’t thinking we would be there, but there’s a great spirit in the group and we’ve shown that if we do get beat, and we’re a hard team to beat, that we are like a wounded animal and will come out fighting.

“We didn’t play our best at Bolton but did what it took to get the three points.

“We’ve played a lot better this season and conceded late goals to concede points but it was a welcome clean sheet and three points. ”

Bennett was speaking at St Peter’s Primary School in Darwen as part of the Premier League Stars programme in a visit alongside teammate Joe Rothwell.

And the former Norwich man believes the link with the local community is as important as ever, adding: “It’s always good to come and see the kids and see how happy they are to see me and Joe.

“It is a big part of the club and what we are trying to build, the connection with the local fans and the community.

“The fans have been through some bad periods and we’re turn that round and keep it going.

“We are really thankful for the many miles they travel and the effort they put in to support the football club. They work hard during the week and pay their hard earned money to come and watch us.

“Win, lose or draw it’s important we show them our appreciation.”