Bradley Johnson is braced for a spell at centre half should he be required – despite having never played there before Saturday’s defeat at Stoke City.

Rovers hope Daniel Ayala will be able to shake off the foot injury sustained inthe Rotherham United win in time to face Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day, but if not, it would be expeced to Johnson again alongside Darragh Lenihan.

With the Spaniard sidelined at the weekend, and Scott Wharton and Derrick Williams longer-term injury concerns, Mowbray opted to drop Johnson into the central defensive berth.

Rovers will consider the prospect of adding to their central defensive ranks when the January transfer window opens, though Ryan Nyambe can also slot into a central role.

Tyler Magloire will return from his loan at Hartlepool in January, while Hayden Carter has been in the first-team squad as cover for the last two months. But he saw Johnson preferred at the weekend, and could be again should Ayala not be fit enough for Boxing Day.

“If I’m called upon again to play there then I’ll certainly be willing to do it,” Johnson said.

“Once the gaffer asked whether I wanted to play there, I am always happy to play wherever for this club.

“I want to play my part and if I have to do it again then that’s what I’ll do.”

Johnson partnered Darragh Lenihan, but after Stoke’s early goal, spent the majority of the game playing a similar role to his usual holding midfield one.

The former Derby County man revealed it was the first time in his career that he had played there, but acknowledged the unavailability issues as the reason for his selection.

“It was different, but I enjoyed playing alongside Darragh and felt I did well on the whole,” the 33-year-old told the club website.

“It was the first time I’d ever played at centre back and I enjoyed it, but ultimately it’s only the result that matters.

“Del came back and has got injured and Daniel picked up an injury on Wednesday night. We’re light at the moment in that position.”

Johnson has captained the side in the two matches that Darragh Lenihan missed this season and has started 15 of the opening 20 matches this season. His place in the midfield was taken by Norwich City loanee Tom Trybull, making a first start in five games.

Mowbray would ideally like to use Johnson in midfield, but that will be dependent on Ayala’s fitness.

He said: “I don’t think it’s a bad one, I think he’s got bone bruising, which can sometimes be really painful, but hopefully that can settle down and he’ll be fine for the next game.”

Carter has made just one substitute appearance this season, with nine appearances in a matchday squad.

The 21-year-old had played just 14 minutes in the last two months but came through the whole game in last night’s win at Derby County.