ELLIOTT Bennett feels Rovers’ strong run of form following the September international break mean there are reasons to be positive heading in to a tough run of fixtures.

Rovers face three games in a week starting with the visit of Leeds United before visits to Swansea City and West Brom.

But Bennett feels five points from three games in a week against Aston Villa, Derby and Stoke City on the back of the last break mean Rovers should hold no fear on their return to action.

“It’s really tough but that’s why we worked to get out of League One last season so we could have these games,” he said ahead of clashes with teams sitting third, second and 11th in the table.

“We’ve started quite well and are relishing the opportunity to play everyone in the league.

“Before the last international break everyone will have thought ‘three tough games for Blackburn’ but we came out of that with five points and probably could have one or two more.

“We look forward to playing everyone and can’t wait for that to come round and there aren’t many games to look forward to more than Leeds.”

Bennett will mark 100 league appearances for Rovers on Saturday.

The 29-year-old has become a heartbeat of the side since Mowbray took charge in February 2017.

But, despite a lack of game-time under previous boss Owen Coyle, Bennett said he tried to ensure his character shone through.

“I’ve always tried to be the way that I am,” he added. “It’s tough when you are out of the team for any period of time but I always look to support my team-mates, work hard in training and then leave it up to the manager whether he selects you or not.

“Unfortunately for me that wasn’t to be, but the manager changed and my fortunes seemed to change with that.

“When you’re out of the team you tend to appreciate the lads that are playing and try hard in training to keep their morale up.

“But since the gaffer has come in he’s built up a really strong squad of human beings, never mind footballers, and you can see that with the team spirit we’ve got.”

Bennett won a third promotion of his career with Rovers last season, but credits this as the best dressing room he’s been involved in.

“It’s a fantastic place to be,” the midfielder said. “This is the best dressing room I’ve ever been in. I’ve been in quite a few now, successful times at Brighton and Norwich but this is definitely the best group of lads.

“There are definitely no egos, no-one thinks they are bigger than anyone else, trying to cause unrest when they are not playing, everyone generally wants each other to do well.

“If individuals within a team do well then as a collective, as a team, we all do well.

“When you have a bad game yourself and the team loses, it hurts when you think you might have let down a group of lads who are giving their all for you.

“In this league there is no time to dwell when things aren’t going your way or to celebrate when things are going well.

“It’s a great group of lads and I’m sure it will get tested through the season and hopefully the character within the squad can pull us through any tough times we do have.”