Rovers player ratings from the opening day defeat at AFC Bournemouth.

Thomas Kaminski 7

Little he could do with any of the three Bournemouth goals, his standout moment being the save to deny Solanke in the second half. Confident and solid distribution throughout and looked unfazed on his first appearance in English football.

Ryan Nyambe 7 

Much of Rovers’ better play came down the right from where he set up the second equaliser with a fine run and cross. Even had a shot at goal himself in the second half. Won six tackles and made three interceptions. Was pushing forward to join the attack as Bournemouth countered leading up to their third goal.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Undone by the quick feet of Danjouma for the winner, but mostly had the better of his battle with Solanke. Rovers still need to find a regular defensive partner for him. 

Derrick Williams 6

Uncertain future but still a dependable option when called upon. Won four headers, and covered round well, with an excellent block from Stanislas in the second half.

Amari’i Bell 6

Didn’t offer quite the same momentum going forward as Nyambe, and a couple of loose touches saw him lose possession on occasion. Cross-shot almost set up an equaliser for Evans.

Lewis Travis 6

Covered the ground well as ever, but was a little frustrated with his use of the ball in the first half. More involved in the second half before his late withdrawal.

Bradley Johnson 6

Hauled Rovers level for the first time with a rasping long-ranger and had a better opening early in the second. Rolled by Solanke when trying to win the ball for Bournemouth’s second goal. Made more passes than anyone on the pitch, but needs to find more consistency.

Lewis Holtby 6

Had one shot blocked in the first half, and another which sailed well wide. Played to the left of the midfield three and came to life more after the introduction of Rothwell who he linked with well. 

Joe Rankin-Costello 5

Could have been worthwhile trying him on the left, as neither wide player influenced the game in an attacking sense, a couple of decent crosses in to the box apart.

Ben Brereton 5

His best moment of the match was a 60-yard burst that ended with him having a shot blocked. Played on the left, but didn’t hold his width which often saw Rovers playing too narrow.

Adam Armstrong 6

Fantastic first touch and calm finish for his goal which came moments after he blazed over from a promising position. Looks set to get a run in his favoured No.9 role and has started the season where he left off in the last one.

Subs

Tyrhys Dolan (for Rankin-Costello, 68) 6

Showed his close control within minutes of coming on as he danced around a couple of chances. Snatched at a decent shooting chance, and his dummy didn’t pay off as Bournemouth countered and scored after it was cut out.

Joe Rothwell (for Brereton, 68) 6

Added some life to Rovers driving in from the left, and looked much more at home there than the deeper role. Will be pushing for a start at Newcastle.

Corry Evans (for Travis, 85) 5

Took a touch when shooting first time would likely have benefited him more late on.

Not used: Andrew Fisher, Elliott Bennett, Scott Wharton, John Buckley