Craig Conway could miss Rovers’ festive fixtures after pulling a thigh muscle in the draw with Birmingham City.

And Rovers are still waiting on the fitness of Elliott Bennett who is hoping to return in time to face his former club Norwich City on Saturday.

Conway started a third consecutive league game for the first time since April on Saturday but lasted just 18 minutes before being forced off injured.

On the injury to the 33-year-old, recently back in the side, boss Tony Mowbray said: “I think he’s pulled his thigh.

“He went through a tackle and tried to sprint after it and just pulled a thigh so hopefully it’s not too bad but it can happen, especially in those conditions.

“It’s frustrating for him because he’s worked hard to get himself back in the team.

“He is probably going to miss some important games over the Christmas period.”

Adam Armstrong replaced Conway and got his name on the scoresheet for the fifth time this season when finding the bottom corner with a left-footed shot just seconds after the re-start.

The 21-year-old lost his place to Conway after the 3-1 defeat to Wigan, but has been used off the bench in the three matches since.

Mowbray feels the former Newcastle United man was unfortunate to lose his place, but was pleased to see him back among the goals against the Blues.

That was just a second league goal for Armstrong, with his other three all coming in the Carabao Cup.

“Adam will have been disappointed that’s he’s not been playing,” the boss added.

“But I thought Craig had done well over the last two games and deserved his place in the team.

“He’s worked hard, he’s been an important part of the team who have had some good results, a draw at Middlesbrough and the victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

“But we know what Arma and can do and it should be no surprise that Adam Armstrong came on and scores a goal.

“He’s a very talented young guy, is direct, shoots, so I was pleased for him with his goal, but ultimately disappointed with the result.”

Bennett, suspended for the defeat at Wigan last month, has missed Rovers’ subsequent three games after suffering a slight fracture to his metatarsal.

Rovers will wait on his availability ahead of the visitors of second-placed Norwich, with Mowbray keen to have one of his senior players back for a tough run of games which includes trips to Leeds United and Sheffield United as well as a New Year’s Day home match with West Brom.

When asked about Bennett, Mowbray added:“I’m not sure whether he will be back next weekend, but it will be an opportunity for somebody.

“I’ve said in the past we’ve got a fantastic bunch who work hard for each other and they’re a hardworking honest bunch of players and we will look forward to the challenges ahead.”