Derrick Williams says form will be key to Tony Mowbray’s team selection as the 25-year-old bids to regain a regular spot in the Rovers defence.

Williams has been away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland and returns for Saturday’s clash with Leeds United at Ewood Park.

He had been a virtual ever present since joining in 2016 but has missed seven matches this term because of injury and suspension.

That allowed Amari’i Bell to take his spot at left back, with Williams’ return coming in central defence, a position he could retain against Leeds with an injury concern over Charlie Mulgrew.

But Williams believes the positional battle between him and Bell at left back is now replicated across the squad.

“He came in when I got injured and has done very well,” Williams said of the January signing. “There’s competition in the team and it will go on form.

“There’s a lot of competition all over the pitch now and that’s only good for the team.

“It’s a team game, you just have to try your best and if you don’t play one game then you might play the next.

“You have to stay level headed, not let things affect you and stay positive.”

Three of Williams’ five Championship starts this season came alongside countryman Darragh Lenihan in central defence, a partnership which could continue this weekend.

Against Bolton he was preferred to Bell at full back and showed his versatility when switching to the left side of a three man backline in the second half at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Rovers captain Mulgrew withdrew from the Scotland squad after coming off injured in the win over Israel last week and is a doubt for the visit of Leeds.

Williams, who wasn’t involved for his country in a 0-0 draw with Denmark or a 1-0 defeat to Wales in the Nations League, signed a new three-year deal at Ewood Park in the summer.

And, with Tony Mowbray’s men going in to the Leeds game 10th in the Championship with just over a quarter of the season played, the Irishman is optimistic about the future.

“I am really enjoying being here and I think we’re on the right track, something good is happening here,” he added.

“It’s good to be around here, the players, fans, manager, there’s a good energy.

“That’s why I signed the new deal. It’s the people at the club which made it such an easy decision for me to do that.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully repaying that and trying to keep putting out good performances.”