Sam Gallagher was replaced because of a knock to a pre-existing injury, Tony Mowbray explained.

Gallagher trained in the lead up to the Sheffield Wednesday win, after opening his league account for the season in the defeat at Preston, to make his 12th start of the campaign.

However, he was replaced by Danny Graham in the 64th minute against the Owls after picking up a knock.

There was no immediate concern from Mowbray about the injury, with Gallagher set to be monitored this week ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leeds United.

“He got a kick on what was another kick,” Mowbray said of Gallagher’s injury. “It was too sore for him to carry on.”

Gallagher was denied a first Ewood goal of the season by an excellent Keiren Westwood save in the first half, and just before being replaced, looked to have been tripped in the box by Sam Hutchinson.

The boss explained after the match that it had always been his intention to send on Danny Graham around the hour mark, with Gallagher having got the nod to start as the central striker for the third game running.

He hasn’t started up front for four games in a row since re-joining the club, something he will be looking to achieve when Rovers head to Elland Road in their final game before the international break.

Gallagher ended his 21 month wait for a league goal when netting in the Deepdale defeat.

He had scored in the Carabao Cup defeat at Sheffield United in August, and Mowbray admits he has no concerns over the 24-year-old’s ability to find the back of the net regularly.

“Sam works hard every day. I’ve got no fears for him as long as he’s working really hard every day then I am fine in that he can score goals,” he added.