Rovers can take inspiration from their form after the last international break, according to midfielder Joe Rothwell.

Tony Mowbray’s side took five points from three games against Aston Villa, Derby and Stoke after the September internationals.

Leeds United this afternoon is the start of another difficult period for Rovers who travel to Swansea and West Brom on the return to action.

But the 23-year-old feels the mood within the camp is positive after a win over Bolton last time out, despite losing their long unbeaten home record against Sheffield United in their last Ewood match.

“We looked at the fixtures last time (in September) and thought it was a tough run and went unbeaten,” Rothwell said of the return from the last international break.

“We will look to do the same in these next three games, it’s another tough run.

“We can’t get too disheartened with one defeat (against Sheffield United), it was a good run we were on and hopefully we can start another one now.

“We’ll go in to the game with confidence after the win over Bolton.

“Hopefully we take that in to the game and beat a team who are right up there.

“It’s a results business, no-one looks at who is playing well and who isn’t, if you’re getting the results on a Saturday then that’s all anyone looks at.”

Despite appearing in nine of Rovers’ 12 Championship fixtures this season, only three of them have come from the start.

After getting the nod against Bolton last time out, Rothwell hopes his running prowess will push his cause for a starting shirt against a Leeds side well known for their athletic style under Marcelo Bielsa.

The summer signing from Oxford isn’t the only one of Mowbray’s new recruits who has had to be patient, and he added: “It’s difficult for him, he can only pick 11 players to wear the shirt on a matchday and when you do get your chance you have to come in and take your chance.

“When I have played I feel that I have planted a seed in his head and showed I’m ready to play.

“When I’m called up, I’m ready.

“It’s what you need to have to try and do, if you’re not starting and you come off the bench you have to show what you can do. One of my strengths is picking up the ball and running at players and that’s what I’ve looked to do.

“Sometimes it’s worked, other times it hasn’t, but if it doesn’t, I won’t stop trying it.”

Of the two week break from action, Rothwell said: “It was good, it’s always nice to have a few days off. Maybe it didn’t come at the best time after a win but we’ve had a few weeks to ourselves, going over some things on the training ground and now ready to go again.”