While Darragh Lenihan’s return has rightly been noted as being a key factor in Rovers’ unbeaten run, the Irishman was eager to praise the role of defensive partner Tosin Adarabioyo.

Tony Mowbray had to wait until November 23 to partner Lenihan with summer signing Adarabioyo and that combination at the back has helped Rovers to 16 points from the last 18 available.

Most notably, they have kept three clean sheets in that run and looked assured alongside each other.

Rovers have struggled without Lenihan, winning just four of the last 21 matches he has missed through injury, and the unbeaten run has also included a spell as captain.

But the 25-year-old says he is simply contributing to the team and believes Adarabioyo, on-loan from Premier League champions Manchester City, has all the attributes and quality to go on to play for his parent club.

“He’s brilliant. His distribution is excellent, he’s quick, he’s big, he has all the attributes,” Lenihan said of the 22-year-old, who is in to his second loan spell away from the Etihad.

“I’ve said to him that he has all the attributes to play for Manchester City in my opinion.

“He’s here to learn, and help us out, but he’s a fantastic player.

“The likes of Ryan Nyambe have come in and done well, it’s a squad game and whoever the manager picks the lads will try and do the business.”

Rovers claimed four points from the five games that Lenihan missed this season with a knee injury sustained at QPR in October which ruled him out of international action with the Republic of Ireland.

The November international break allowed him to build up his fitness and has featured every minute since and looks set to keep his place for the visit of Wigan Athletic on Monday.

“It’s been difficult when you’re injured and not able to contribute to the team,” Lenihan added.

“You just have to do your best to get back as quickly as possible.

“But this is a team sport, I’m just one of 11 players out there who has to chip in and do the job to the best of your ability.”

Mowbray rotated his side for the win at Bristol City last time out, making six changes, but kept the partnership of Lenihan and Adarabioyo intact.

Rovers have two home games next week, against Wigan and Birmingham, before away matches at Huddersfield on December 29 and Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day.

The manager will likely rotate his squad once again, but Lenihan says the competition for places and hunger within the squad means changes won’t be at the detriment of the team.

“We have four days in 10 days, and then the cup game after that, so we’re moving in to a busy period,” said the homegrown defender.

“We have a good squad of players so go in to this period quite confident. It’s gone well.

“We know it’s going to be a tough period of games, Wigan is a local game, and we know in these types of games, whether you’re doing well or not, they’re going to be difficult.

“We know we will have to be right at it to get the win.

“The gaffer wants to bring that level of competition so you might play one game but not necessarily the next.

“As players we need to keep pushing each other every day in training.

“You have to do that in this league because if you’re not pushing yourself each and every day then you won’t get the results.

“We want to keep this consistent run going for as long as we can.”

Rovers’ home form of late has been particularly strong, unbeaten since September and winning each of their last four Ewood fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Brentford and Derby County.

And despite Wigan still awaiting a win on their travels this season, Lenihan isn’t taking anything for granted ahead of the game.

He said: “We are just thinking of Wigan, hopefully get a good result in that and then move on to Birmingham.

“One thing with this league is that there are no bankers.

“Whether you’re West Brom or Barnsley, every single game is tough and if you’re not at it then you’ll get turned over.

“We have to get ourselves physically and mentally right and do the best we can.”