Derrick Williams puts his early season form down to fitness and believes by staying injury free he stands a good chance of an extended run in the Rovers side.

Williams was honest in his admission that he didn’t expect to be at the club after doubts surrounded his future last month, but he’s started all four Championship fixtures and impressed at centre half.

The 27-year-old will now be aiming to build on his form at club level by featuring for the Republic of Ireland in their upcoming three matches having been named in Stephen Kenny’s 25-man squad.

Rovers will be hoping he returns fit and healthy ahead of their next Championship fixture against Nottingham Forest on October 17 having gone six months without playing because of calf and groin injuries.

And Williams, who helped Rovers to a third successive clean sheet at the weekend, said: “I think those injuries are behind me now and I’m looking forward to staying healthy because if I am then I know I’m more than good enough to play in this team.”

Rovers were keen to strengthen in the centre of their defence this summer following the departure of Tosin Adarabioyo at the end of his loan, the 23-year-old having joined Fulham last night.

When it looked like Williams would move on, with MLS clubs DC United and LA Galaxy, as well as Championship side Swansea City, interested in services, the expectation was that Rovers would move for two new central defenders.

However, with talks of an Ewood exit for Williams having passed, and his excellent personal form, Daniel Ayala looks to be the sole central defensive addition this summer.

He partnered Williams when making his debut at the weekend, with Darragh Lenihan ruled out because of a knee problem which saw him forced to withdraw from Ireland’s upcoming triple-header.

Rovers will hope to have him back for the visit of Forest on Saturday week, but if he is fit, then it could well be a straight decision between Ayala and Lenihan as to who partners Williams.

And the former Bristol City man hopes his injuries are behind him having struggled with calf strains in particular in the last 12 months, his only minutes in 2020 before this season coming back in January.

“Because I had so many injuries it was hard to get going again,” Williams added.

“Now I feel the best I have in a long time, I feel healthy, I feel good and I feel confident.

“I’ve simplified a lot of stuff in my game, kept the ball moving and feel that I’m getting a lot of good blocks.

“I think I’m playing really well, I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time, physically I feel really good and that’s why.”