Joe Rothwell is focused on impressing in any game-time he gets to try and earn a regular starting spot for Rovers.

Rothwell made just a third start since signing from Oxford United in the 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers last time out.

The 23-year-old has featured in nine of 12 matches so far, and although the majority have come as a substitute, the midfielder has caught the eye in his cameo appearances.

Rovers’ summer signings have had to bide their time since arriving at Ewood Park, but Rothwell is thinking long-term in his quest to become a regular.

He said: “Obviously when you come to a new club you never just expect to walk in to a team and, for me, it was always about when I did get a chance coming off the bench it was to try and catch the manager’s eye and hopefully I can keep doing that.”

Rothwell was recalled for the win at the University of Bolton Stadium, his first league start for six weeks, and 12th appearance in all.

He played all three Carabao Cup matches and has made every Championship matchday squad so far, failing to come off the bench in just three of them.

“It’s never nice to be left out, it was a good chance for me to get back in and show the gaffer he can trust me to play every week,” Rothwell added.

“It was a massive three points (at Bolton) especially after the loss we had (to Sheffield United).

“It’s always important for us to bounce back with a win.”

The three points at Bolton saw Rovers head in to the two week break from action 10th in the Championship.

Tony Mowbray’s side return against Leeds United on Saturday, the first of three games in a week which will also see them travel to Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion.

Rothwell welcomed the break, after seven games in 21 days, and hopes Rovers can carry on their strong start to the season this weekend.

“It’s nice for a break but it’s not nice when you’ve won a game and you want to keep that momentum going,” he said.

“We’ll come back after a few days off and hopefully we can carry on.

“I think the start to the season has been really good, I don’t think we can complain.

“Two losses out of 12 games so I don’t think the lads will have envisioned having a start like that.”

Mowbray has been full of praise for Rothwell despite his lack of game-time, admitting last month the attacking midfielder was ready to be ‘let off the leash’.

On his relationship with the boss, Rothwell added: “It’s really good, he’s been really helpful since I’ve come in in the summer and hopefully that can continue.”