David Raya’s immediate return to the Rovers starting line-up shows his importance to the team, according to boss Tony Mowbray.

Raya missed just a second league game since April 2017 in the 1-0 win over QPR on November 3 following the facial injury he suffered at West Brom.

But just two weeks after being taken to hospital following a collision with Jay Rodriguez on October 27, which left him with a broken nose and severe facial injury, Raya was back between the sticks for Rovers against Rotherham.

The 23-year-old will wear a protective mask for the next six weeks, before undergoing nose re-construction work in the summer.

Jayson Leutwiler deputised for Raya against QPR, but after training for three days, Raya made the decision, in conjunction with his manager, that he was able to play just two weeks after being stretchered off at the Hawthorns.

Raya has become undisputed No.1 at Rovers, and Mowbray said it was good to welcome the Spaniard back in to the fold so quickly.

He said: “It shows that he’s enjoying his football and is an important player for us.

“But what I would have to say is that Leutwiler didn’t put a foot, or a glove, wrong for us against QPR.

“David is our No.1 goalie and if he’s fit and able to play, and he’s telling me he’s ready to play in a mask then that’s what he did.

“He will only got stronger and more confident after this stage.”