Promotion specialist Barry Douglas believe the Championship is wide open – and feels his attributes can help Rovers mount a challenge of their own.

Douglas won the second tier with Leeds last season, having reached the play-offs in 2018/19 and being a title-winner again with Wolves 12 months earlier.

He has added some ready-made Championship quality to the squad and made a solid start to life in Rovers colours, coming through an hour in the 4-0 win at Coventry City.

That was just a third start in 12 months for the Scot, but he says there are no issues over his fitness having worked under the intense regime of Marcelo Bielsa before his switch to Rovers.

His early impressions of the club are promising, and he can see himself setting in well to Tony Mowbray’s style of play.

“Physically I feel fine, I don’t think there’s any unfit players under Marcelo Bielsa,” the 31-year-old explained.

“For me it’s about getting that match sharpness, getting the eye back in and an understanding with the players here, and that comes with games and training.”

Wolves were hot favourites for promotion in 2017/18 under Nuno Espirito Santo, while Bielsa’s Leeds were always expected to challenge last season.

However, Douglas believes there’s a much more open feel to the league this season, with early season leaders Reading due at Ewood Park this evening.

“I think the opportunity is there for whoever wants to go and grab it with both hands,” Douglas said.

“We know how relentless this league is. From my experiences it’s about not getting too far ahead of yourselves, one game at a time, trying to be consistent and if we can get the balance right, especially the way we’re going to play, we can give a good account of ourselves and definitely go and compete.

“Of course we’re going to be ambitious and looking to compete, but not getting ahead of ourselves, obviously that’s the aim.

“It’s such a difficult division to get out of it but if I can help with my experience, I think we have the squad here, the surroundings to go on and give a good account of ourselves and challenge.”

Douglas slotted in at left back at St Andrew’s, replacing Amari’i Bell, having been an unused substitute in the defeat to Watford.

He will bring an attacking outlet from left back, having assisted 19 goals and scored five himself across his 81 appearances for Leeds and Wolves.

Rovers will be hoping to tap in to that quality as the season unfolds, with Douglas confident he can have a key part to play in the attacking arsenal.

“There’s always room for improvement, but it was a nice debut, nice to get off to winning ways,” he said of Saturday’s game.

“I was more happy to be out on a pitch and enjoying it with the guys, seeing how they play and set up. There’s loads more to come from me, and that will come with time and settling in.

“I know my strong attributes and I know it will suit the way we’re trying to play.

“The attacking players are always on the front foot trying to score goals, it’s brilliant for the wide players, you always have that option to be positive.

“I think we’ll get some success this year.”

Douglas was the first of four deadline day arrivals for Rovers, arriving on a season-long loan from Leeds, and he says he’s been welcomed quickly into the fold which has allowed him to settle in quickly.

“It’s been positive. It’s been a hectic week, changing clubs and then two games in quick succession.

“It’s been a nice transition, all credit to the lads and staff here, they’ve really taken me in.

“They have made it very easy for me to settle in. It can be difficult sometimes to find your feet in new surroundings, but it’s a very humble dressing room and it’s been an enjoyable experience.”