Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out four talking points from the 0-0 draw with Cardiff City.

 

GALLY’S GOAL QUEST

Sam Gallagher started his third consecutive game on the wing for Rovers. His wait for a goal now runs to almost 19 months, though limited game-time of course has to be factored in.

There will never be a shortage of effort or endeavour from the 23-year-old when deployed out wide, and his ability to beat the full back to headers from diagonal balls forward can be a useful weapon.

However, his stats show that in five games he has managed only one more shot than he has won tackles.

He looks far better when stretching his legs and running towards the opposition’s goal, but Rovers simply have to get him in to more goalscoring opportunities.

The prospect of a cup game against a Premier League side in Sheffield United is no gimme in terms of finding the back of the net, but Mowbray must be considering giving him the opportunity to lead the line at Bramall Lane and look to build some confidence in front of goal.

The only downside to that would be flogging a player who has expended so much energy in the last three matches.

In all likelihood he will get the nod to start at West Brom on Saturday, but with Rovers short of goals, getting their £5m up and running as soon as possible has to be essential.

 

BACK OF THE NET

Rovers are now the only team in the Championship still waiting for a goal from open play this season.

An own goal, a penalty, and header from a set play are what they have to show for their efforts from five games.

This was in fact the fifth time in their last 11 games they have failed to score at Ewood. On a more positive note, Rovers have conceded just nine goals in their 14 home matches so far in 2019, keeping seven clean sheets.

Only once in that time (the New Year’s Day win over West Brom) have Rovers won when the opposition have scored at Ewood.

There was something of a reluctance to play the ball in to the box, unsurprising given the aerial prowess of Cardiff’s centre backs, but only after the introduction of Adam Armstrong did Rovers really stretch them.

Finding a right balance to their attacking play has to be key in finding a way to unlocking the door more often, particularly at Ewood.

 

GOOD WEEK FOR WALTON

The Brighton loanee didn’t have the most convincing of starts in a Rovers shirt, but he has proven his worth in recent games.

There was the vital penalty save at Hull and an excellent stop to keep out a Lee Tomlin effort here.

But most impressive about the last two games in particular has been the way he has commanded his area, coming off his line well to take the pressure off his defence with some good takes.

The first half brought some scares with the ball at his feet, and he has a strong left foot to get Rovers up the pitch, rather than the need for anything too intricate.

 

CUP CHANGES

You have to think there will be changes for the Carabao Cup tie at Sheffield United on Tuesday, Tony Mowbray hinted as much.

That could see opportunities for several young players, should Mowbray see fit, with injury concerns over Tosin Adarabioyo, Corry Evans and Ben Brereton.

Darragh Lenihan and Derrick Williams are likely to be rested ahead of the trip to West Brom which could well mean for a much-changed back four.

Ryan Nyambe struggled in the last round against Oldham, while Amari’i Bell looks short of confidence based upon recent displays.

Rovers will be tested defensively against the Blades, not least given their unusual style, and should it be another young backline, they will need to improve on the showing in the last round.

It has been a big effort from Rovers in the three league games within a week, and seven points from a possible nine is impressive after back-to-back defeats.

While Mowbray is yet to name an unchanged team in the league, several players are picking themselves and others must see this as their chance to help stake a claim for more regular game-time.