Rovers player ratings from the 5-2 win over Birmingham City.

Thomas Kaminski 5

Not the afternoon the player of the year would have wanted, dropping a free kick at the feet of Pedersen for the first, and beaten by Jutkiewicz’s header which meant the Blues scored from both of their attempts on target. An otherwise quiet afternoon.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Could have shown more confidence at times to get at his marker, as when he did, he enjoyed lots of success, though not always given the space amount of space as Bell. Not troubled defensively all afternoon.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Really dominant aerially in the first half, and less hopeful in the passes he played. Went close to what would have been a first of the season as he headed wide a second half corner.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis 6

Will be disappointed by the way Jutkiewicz was able to pull off his shoulder to head home the Birmingham second. Completed all of his attempted passes before being replaced early in the second half.

Amari’i Bell 7

Was afforded plenty of space on the left, putting in several good deliveries, and looked to play in much more advanced areas than we have been used, as shown by him winning the penalty. Had a shot saved by Trueman in the second half, and his future will be an interesting one heading into the summer.

Jacob Davenport 6

A big season for the midfielder ahead, not least with the number of experienced players departing from that part of the pitch. Kept the ball moving with simplicity, but few moments that really stood out.

Lewis Travis 7

An incisive pass inside the full back led to the penalty, won by Bell. Looked to have his energy levels back, snapping at the heels of the opposition, as he does when at his best.

John Buckley 7

Given licence to roam around the pitch and did so with a real intelligence. His ability to drive forward with the ball was similar to that of Rothwell, who he replaced. Had one shot from distance saved, but wasted another when blazing over at the end of the first half.

Sam Gallagher 7

Set up Brereton’s goal with a perfectly executed through-ball. Was denied a goal of his own by Trueman when catching a 25-yard strike clean.

Ben Brereton 8

The addition of some upper body strength has really added to his game, a key component of his goal, bouncing off Pedersen and then showing composure with the finish. His ability to get out of tight spots was a feature of his first performance.

Adam Armstrong 10

What a way to end a season, a hat-trick, a first from outside the box this season, and overtaking Jordan Rhodes’ 2012/13 tally of 28. It was much more than his goals, his movement and linking the play, a willingness to drop deep, that set him apart. Unlucky to be denied from a 25-yard free kick, but tucked home a penalty, a long-ranger and then  neat finish to end with back-to-back Ewood hat-tricks.

Subs

Daniel Ayala (for Harwood-Bellis, 57) 6

A relatively trouble-free outing on his first appearance of 2021, but a boost to see him back on the pitch after his injury absence.

Stewart Downing (for Davenport, 57) 6

Would be a sad way for a distinguished career to end should that be his final appearance.

Harvey Elliott (for Gallagher, 57) 7

Signed off an excellent loan spell with an outrageous dinked finish for Rovers’ fourth goal.

Tyrhys Dolan (for Brereton, 67) 6

Saw very little of the ball and only had 13 touches of the ball after coming on.

Corry Evans (for Buckley, 74) 7

Two excellent late assists for Elliott and Armstrong on what was a farewell outing.

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Barry Douglas, Elliott Bennett, Bradley Johnson

Birmingham City: Trueman, Pedersen, Leko (Halilovic, 46), Cosgrove (Jutkiewicz, 46), Gardner, Harper (McGree, 74), Dacres-Cogley, Miller (Simmonds, 78), Seddon, Stirk (San Jose, 82), Gordon

Substitutes: Jeacock, Colin, Bela, Dean