Rovers player ratings from the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Thomas Kaminski 6

Beaten by a deflected Mighten shot in the first half, his one save being when he tipped a Christie shot onto the post. Distribution out to the flanks often didn’t find its target.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Made an excellent block on the line to deny Knockaert in the first half, and his endeavour won Rovers a penalty in the second period. Stricken on the touchline at the final whistle with a hamstring injury.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis 6

Overcame an early booking for a hefty challenge to put in a decent display up against the experience of Murray.

Jarrad Branthwaite 6

Won three headers, and the same numbers of tackles, but with the ball at his feet, didn’t always move the ball quickly enough.

Amari’i Bell 5

Given a tough afternoon up against Knockaert. Pushed him back much better in the second half but was arguably the most guilty of being wasteful with his final ball.

Jacob Davenport 6

Not the most flashy in possession, but does pick out the right pass more often than not, and has a lot of heart, typified by an early challenge.

Lewis Travis 5

Wasn’t able to stop Mighten’s shot as the ball dropped loose in the first half. Still doesn’t look back to his best and was off the pace on occasions.

Harvey Elliott 6

Flashes of him linking up with Dack in the second half, and looked more suited in the second half when he moved to the right flank. A couple of chipped passes in behind caused problems, as it did for the penalty won by Nyambe.

Sam Gallagher 5

Touched the ball just 14 times before being replaced at the break. Concerns post-match about the injury he sustained in the latter stages of the half.

Ben Brereton 6

Was keen to impress on his return to his former side but didn’t make the most of the opportunities that came his way in the first half, one shot wide, another saved, but had plenty of space in which to work. Ineffective in the second half but looks a natural fit on the left side of the Rovers attack.

Adam Armstrong 7

Looked Rovers’ most threatening forward, with some good runs down the left-hand channel in the first half, and from there he saw a stunning strike come back off the post. Took on the responsibility of the armband but couldn’t match it with a goal as his penalty was saved by Brice Samba.

Subs

Bradley Dack (for Gallagher, 46) 6

Dropped deeper to play more as part of the midfield three. While that allowed him to dictate the play, it meant he was often a long way from goal when Rovers needed him in the box.

Tyrhys Dolan (for Brereton, 64) 5

Played from the left, when he’s largely looked more threatening on the right. Rovers couldn’t get him in the game, touching the ball just 14 games.

Joe Rothwell (for Travis, 86) 6

His introduction felt a little too late, his two driving runs forward eliminated the Forest midfield

John Buckley (for Davenport, 86) 5

Came on too late to be able to make a difference.

Elliott Bennett (for Nyambe, 90) 5

Hastily called for after Nyambe’s injury.

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Stewart Downing, Barry Douglas, Corry Evans