The Rovers player ratings from the 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

Thomas Kaminski 6

Superb stop to deny Powell moments after the goal which he got a good hand to. Was very positive and looked to affect corners where possible.

Ryan Nyambe 6

Stoke targeted Rovers down his side in the first half, with Powell and Thompson getting in down that flank. He pushed them back more in the latter stages, one pull back for an Armstrong shot and a cross which led to the equaliser.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Played more direct than we’ve seen for some time, raking long balls harking back to the days of Danny Graham. Stopped any potential counter-attacks well in the first half, but couldn’t be the commanding presence Rovers needed from set plays.

Jarrad Branthwaite 7

A strong start for the teenager who looks the part physically, and with the way he’s able to cover the ground. Might not be able to run the ball out of defence as he would wish on this pitch, but won his headers, made some good interceptions early on, and looked comfortable playing on the left side which Rovers have lacked of late.

Barry Douglas 7

Dealt with the threat of Matondo well and did get forward to show better quality than we’ve seen previously. Won seven tackles in a much improved defensively display. A late set piece disappointed, and hasn’t brought much joy in that area as was hoped.

Bradley Johnson 5

Moved into his preferred central midfield role but replaced at the break after an ineffective half in which he touched the ball just 19 times.

Lewis Travis 5

An early booking put him on the back foot, not having the same commitment to challenges thereafter. Looked well off the pace, and after an impressive return at Birmingham, has struggled since.

Harvey Elliott 5

Anonymous in the first half, but better in the second, able to play balls in behind with greater regularity. Wasn’t as secure with the ball at his feet as we’ve seen.

Bradley Dack 5

Dropped deeper and deeper in the first half to try and get on the ball, with little reward. Toiled away in the second but wasn’t able to influence things as he’d have wished.

Joe Rothwell 5

Played on despite an early injury and was key to Rovers’ best move of the first half for the disallowed goal, but could have released that a little earlier. Off at the break having been in discomfort for much of the half.

Adam Armstrong 6

Came alive in the closing stages, a thumping shot saved by Bursik before being fouled by Chester for the red card. Unfortunate to see a goal chalked off in the first half for offside.

Subs

Jacob Davenport (for Johnson, 46) 7

Deserving of a run in the side after making a difference, adding some much-needed energy and bite to the start.

Sam Gallagher (for Rothwell, 46) 6

Lasted just 15 minutes and managed just two touches of the ball before a painful looking collision ended his afternoon.

Ben Brereton (for Gallagher, 61) 6

Was full of running after coming on, having been left out of the starting line-up. Flashed a couple of efforts across the box, seeing a late effort saved by Bursik. Couldn’t turn home Nyambe’s cross in the lead-up to the equaliser.

Lewis Holtby (for Travis, 64) 6

Passed forward, and looked to get in the box himself, a shot flashing over the box late on.

John Buckley (for Dack, 71) 7

Looked more suited to the advanced role he took up when replacing Dack, coming up with the equaliser when Rovers needed it most.

Not used: Pears, Downing, Trybull, Dolan