Thomas Kaminksi, the bedding in period at Rovers has been made easier some notable comparisons between East Lancashire and Belgium, not least the weather.

Five months into his time at Rovers, since his summer move from AA Gent, Kaminski has established himself as the club’s No.1 goalkeeper, and also settled into life off the pitch.

He has now been joined by his wife and daughter, having initially moved to England on his own following his move from AA Gent, which also meant a two-week isolation period.

While Rovers have helped him settled into life both on and off the pitch, he says technology has played a key role in helping him stay connected with life at home.

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s so different from Belgium, my wife likes it over here which is important,” Kaminski said.

“With the Covid situation I think it’s very difficult because we weren’t allowed any family over here for Christmas or New Year, I think that’s the only thing that makes it a little bit difficult.

“I think it’s more difficult for my wife and my daughter to not see their grandparents and parents, so I’m a little bit more used to it because I’ve played in other countries.

“I knew from the start that going to another country that is the situation.

“Luckily there is Zoom, FaceTime, so it’s not too bad.”

Kaminski spent two weeks in The Avenue Hotel, overlooking Brockhall, during his first two week isolation period, made more difficult by the fact he could hear his new team-mates training.

He emerged from that in time to make his debut at Bournemouth, and barring a three game spell where he was ruled out by injury, Kaminski has started every Championship game for Rovers.

His form has twice seen him called up by Belgium, but the second spell away with the national team threatened Kaminski’s run in the side after testing positive for coronavirus.

Thankfully, he was asymptomatic, and tested negative upon his return to Rovers which allowed him to take his place in the side at Luton Town.

On his two isolation periods, the 28-year-old said: “To be honest the first time when I came here the two weeks were the hardest because you have just signed with your new club and you want to train and you hear from the hotel the boys are training and you’re seeing them playing friendlies.

“That was the hardest time.

“The second time I wasn’t expecting it. I never had symptoms, I never felt sick, so it was not nice and I was afraid a bit for my family, my wife and daughter, but they were fine. Hopefully that’s the last time.

“I think everyone has helped me a lot, we have a good group of personalities which made it very easy for me to come here and to enjoy it.”

In making his debut at Bournemouth, Kaminski became the first ever Belgian to represent Rovers.

And they have developed a fan club in Belgium, as while Kaminski’s family are unable to travel to watch him live, they follow his every move online.

“They follow every game, my brother and parents they come together because you’re only allowed one contact in Belgium,” he explained.

“They come together in my parents place and watch the games together. So there’s some new fans in Belgium.”