Amari’i Bell is in line for his first start in over a month against Millwall tomorrow night with Barry Douglas ruled out.

Bell made his eighth Championship outing of the season when replacing Douglas just 14 minutes into the win over Barnsley, with the Leeds United loanee set for a short spell out with a muscle injury.

That will give Bell the opportunity to start a game for the first time since the defeat at Watford on October 21.

Despite having two recognised left backs within the squad, with Douglas a deadline-day signing on loan from Leeds, it has been an area of the pitch where Rovers have struggled with availability.

Both Bell and Douglas had Covid-related absences earlier in the season which saw Joe Rankin-Costello, himself now injured, filling in on the left side of the defence.

The youngster had that role in the final weeks of last season with Bell having missed eight of the nine games after lockdown through injury.

But the 26-year-old will get his opportunity from the start tomorrow night, and when both players are fit, Mowbray says there will be games where he can pick and choose between them.

That’s owing to their different qualities, with Bell a more mobile option, but Douglas offering better delivery from the wide areas.

“I think Barry brings a different mentality of a football to play that high and to get into those positions like he did at the back stick against Luton,” Mowbray said.

“Amari’i Bell has lots to offer this football team still, and I’ve spoken to them both that there will be reasons we play one for this game and another day where we’ll play the other.

“As long as they get the logic then that’s fine.

“Belly has got his qualities and at times we’re going to need them.

“Barry does have different qualities and when we feel they’re more suitable that’s the option we will be picking.

“They are different players. I think Barry at times can’t do what Amari’i can with his mobility, but Barry has a lovely left foot and a real game awareness of where he needs to be on the pitch.

“They’re a contrast and we can pick and choose the right games for each of them.”