Mowbray reveals Rovers'missing ingredient as Trav nears return

The manager has called on his side to remove their “soft underbelly” he feels is holding them back after a sixth one-goal defeat of the season at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night. Midfielder Travis has been out for three-and-a-half months, having played just twice this season before suffering a knee ligament injury in the Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle United.

Mowbray has branded Travis a “unique” talent within the squad, with the drive he brings in the middle of the park, and the hope is he could make the FA Cup tie with Doncaster on January 9.

And Mowbray said ahead of today’s trip to Birmingham: “We’re missing a bit of raw determination to not lose matches.

“Travis brings that, he’d kick his granny to win a five-a-side, kicking everyone in training and you can feel him saying ‘I’m coming straight back in the team’.

The 23-year-old has established himself as a key man in the Rovers side over the last two years, playing 88 times in all.

Since his injury, Rovers moved to bring in Tom Trybull on a season-long loan from Norwich City, as well as securing the return of Stewart Downing.

But Travis’ qualities are ones Mowbray feels his side have lacked, particularly in the tight matches.

He added: “That’s not to put too much pressure on Trav, him coming back and we suddenly turn the corner and start winning games but I do think we miss a little bit of that nastiness that to be a team of winners you need.

“I’m not saying Travis is the answer, but he brings some fire and some gumption to a team that will not accept defeat. I think that’s what this group are missing.

“They’re a talented bunch of lads, they’re okay with the ball and they can create chances and score goals.

“The sooner Lewis gets back, although we’re not a one-man team, he gives us what we’re missing at the moment, I think.

“He’s probably a week or so away, he won’t be in contention for Saturday because he still has to play for the Under-23s, but he won’t be far away.”