JACK Rodwell remains a ‘work in progress’ but Tony Mowbray has been pleased with the 27-year-old’s development since joining on a free transfer.

Rodwell made a seventh appearance of his Rovers career in the 1-1 draw with Rotherham United last weekend and has been involved in each of their last eight matchday squads.

He started against the Millers in central defence, a position Mowbray sees the former England international occupying during his time at Ewood Park.

Rodwell has been handed opportunities earlier than expected owing to injuries.

But Mowbray hopes over time it will be the former Everton man’s talent which makes him a regular in the starting line-up.

“I think he’s doing all right,” Mowbray said of Rodwell. “I spoke to him, I think he has to learn centre half.

“I’ve told him that’s generally where I see him moving forward, I think undoubtedly he can play in midfield.

“Rodwell is a work in progress but what I would say is he’s a very humble young man, I like him a lot and I think he has fantastic attributes.

“He’s fast, strong, comfortable with the ball on both feet and I’m hoping he enjoys his time here and I am sure that his talent will get him in the team moving forward.

“Certain aspects he still has to learn. He has played much of his career in midfield and if we’re going to try and develop him into hopefully a top class central defender then it’s going to take some time.

“He has to play to do that. He’s very humble and honest and we enjoy working with him.”

Rodwell made his Rovers bow in the Carabao Cup tie at Bournemouth in August, a first competitive outing in 11 months.

His first league start came at Bolton on October 6, having made his Championship debut off the bench against Nottingham Forest a week earlier.

He signed a one-year deal at Rovers after leaving Sunderland in the summer but Mowbray hopes Rodwell sees an extended future at Ewood Park.

“It’s down to him as well as me,” the boss added. “He’s got a year, let’s hope he enjoys it and at some stage he wants to extend it.

“I know he can help our team and our club.

“He fits in great with the rest of our group, he’s come in very understated for someone who has played for England, Manchester City and Everton. He’s played in big games but has come in and got his head down and worked hard with the group.

“The material is there to try and develop him in to a player and if that’s what he wants to do, if he sees Blackburn Rovers as the vehicle to do that, then that’s fine by me and we’ll benefit and so will he.”

On Rodwell’s early appearances the Rovers boss added: “Is it quicker than I thought? You look at the size of the squad and it can dictate.

“I think he (Rodwell) is happy enough to sit and wait and see how it develops over the next few months over his game-time and position.”