Tony Mowbray admits he considered leaving out Richie Smallwood for Rovers’ draw at West Brom after covering 11km in the defeat to Swansea City.

Smallwood would end the game against the Baggies in goal, with David Raya stretchered off and Rovers having used all three subs.

Mowbray, who brought the 27-year-old to the club last summer, said that summed up Smallwood’s attitude and determination to do well for the team.

But having freshened up his team for the game at The Hawthorns, making five changes in all, the boss revealed Smallwood had come close to being one of those left out after his efforts in recent games.

Rovers now have a free week to prepare for the visit of the league’s form team, QPR, on Saturday, after a run of three games in seven days.

Mowbray said: “Richie Smallwood is a fantastic lad and that’s why he was brought to the football club first and foremost, to lead by example.

“He’s not the silkiest footballer in the world, but his character, his personality and his drive, he sheds all of that and why we love him to bits.

“He has to keep working really hard. I was thinking of leaving him out because looking at the statistics from the last game he covered nearly 11km, one of his highest ever.

“He did what he did, he was fantastic.

“We will have a relaxing start to the week and then build up for another big game against QPR.”