Tony Mowbray believes the Championship will start to take notice of Joe Rothwell if he can reproduce his performance against Brentford on a regular basis.

Rothwell himself is now eyeing an extended run in the side, similar to that he enjoyed at the back end of the last campaign, in a bid to show his best form.

The midfielder put in man-of-the-match display in the win over Brentford but was making just a fifth start of the season having previously been used as an impact substitute.

Mowbray was delighted by Rothwell’s application, and end product, despite passing up an excellent chance in the second half, and hopes ‘the penny has dropped’ for the 24-year-old.

“I’m delighted for Joe. If the penny drops for Joe, this division will be talking about Joe Rothwell,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“The main thing with Joe is that he has to have shots, he has to be in those areas, he has to create chances and have efforts at goal.

“He had one that got blocked, should have done better with his chance.

“He saw half the goal, David (Raya) probably left him half the goal, and he read it.

“Like I’ve spoken about (Brentford winger Said) Benrahma, I think Joe Rothwell is just as talented, just as fast, he’s an exceptional player. But I think the penny has dropped that he needs to work for the team.

“He needs to get back, run back, not just go one way. I hope he’s started a run now where he plays every week and damages teams in this division and people become aware of Joe Rothwell.”

Rothwell, signed from Oxford United last summer, made 13 starts in his debut season at Ewood Park. But he finished the campaign in fine form, starting seven consecutive games, scoring in wins against Derby and Nottingham Forest, the latter winning the club’s goal of the season prize.

“I think I showed at the back end of the year that when I did get in the team I got a few goals and assists and I think it’s a matter of time before I can get that going again,” Rothwell said.

“I feel I’ve planted the seed in the gaffer’s head and hopefully come Saturday it’s still there.”

Mowbray had asked for more in the final third from Rothwell, and to not disregard his defensive duties, in a bid to win a more regular starting spot.

He missed an excellent chance in the second half, but asked if he thought he’d taken his chance to impress, he said: “I think so. Besides a goal I think I’ve done everything, and think it’s only a matter of time before it does come.

“I have to keep getting myself in those areas and it will come, I’m positive about that.

“I knew exactly where David (Raya) was going and I changed my mind at the last minute, I wanted to go the other way. The ball was coming quite slow.

“I knew he was going to go down early, he does it every time, he just read me like an absolute book. But he’s a good ‘keeper and fair play to him.”

In beating Brentford, Rovers chalked up a hat-trick of November wins to move up to 13th in the table.

Three of their next four matches come away from home, where they have lost four matches in a row.

But Rothwell says belief and confidence have grown, and felt Rovers got the result their performance deserved on Wednesday night.

“I did (enjoy it). It was one of those games that you get lost in. I just saw the ball and chased it,” he said.

“The old saying is a second wind, I think I had a fifth wind, but it was an enjoyable game to play in.

“We came off on Saturday, it wasn’t the best performance, but it was all about the result and I thought everyone was outstanding. It wasn’t just the result, it was the performance as well.

“We see that quality every day and when it comes together, as you saw, I don’t think many teams can beat us.

“It’s about backing it up and Saturday will be another good test.”

Rothwell has maintained popular with supporters through his time at the club, and added: “The fans have been great with me. Even when I’m on the bench, or playing, they’re singing my name.

“It gives you that extra bit and chance to get the second and third wind. Without them, maybe I wouldn’t run back as much.”