Tony Mowbray admits there have been ‘underwhelming spells’ for Bradley Dack this season - but the boss says the attacker’s impressive goal tally shouldn’t be underestimated.

Dack hit 18 goals, the same number as in 2017/18 when he won the League One player of the season award.

All but three of those goals came in the Championship, with the 25-year-old operating at that level for the first time in his career.

Dack went six games without a goal between February and March, his longest drought since joining the club in the summer of 2017. He also suffered with hamstring injuries at various points of the season to start 40 of the 46 league matches.

He scored Rovers’ final goal of the season against Swansea City, finishing two clear of Danny Graham.

“I don’t think it’s wrong to say that Brad has had brilliant spells and underwhelming spells this season, however that’s potentially acceptable due to this being his first season in this division,” Mowbray said of Dack.

“But for him to equal his goalscoring tally of 18 from last season, against a higher quality of opposition, is brilliant for him personally.

“He is a brilliant lad, he’s a joy to work with, he wants to win every five-a-side in training as well as every 11-a-side game out here at Ewood, he doesn’t like getting subbed off, he has a sole focus on playing and winning for himself and his team.

“We, collectively, as staff, players and supporters, should enjoy his talent and encourage him to press on and improve upon his performances and stats as we move on and improve the squad.”

Dack was the top-scoring midfielder in the division and also contributed seven assists.

The boss added: “His tally is impressive because he’s not a centre-forward, he’s a link between the midfield and Danny.

“He fights for the ball, he comes deep and drives forward, but the difference with Bradley is that he’s always getting into the six-yard box to finish any scraps, which is why his goal tally for us has been so impressive.”