Ryan Nyambe’s one-on-one defending came in for praise from Tony Mowbray after Rovers’ 0-0 draw at Barnsley.

Nyambe won seven tackles across an accomplished performance from the right back as Rovers made it back-to-back clean sheets.

Mowbray feels there is still more development in Nyambe, but he’s seen the Namibia international make great strides, not least with his heading.

Though the manager says his strength in one-v-one situations is without comparison in the Rovers squad.

He said: “The best one we’ve got, one-v-one, I never fancy anyone to beat Ryan Nyambe on a one-on-one.

“He’s got fantastic body strength, great acceleration, we know his growth areas. He got in behind late on and overhit his cross again. That’s alright, he’ll keeping working at that and get better.

“There are areas of his game that over the last few years have improved immensely, his heading is a million times better than it was, his passing is getting better, we just need to get his crossing better and we’ll have a top player.”

Rovers waited 16 games for a clean sheet before the 2-0 win over Hull City and then followed that up with the 0-0 draw at Barnsley.

Mowbray says that statistic has been discussed within the squad, and says it is a responsibility of the team, even though it will be the goalkeeper and back four judged on the number of goals conceded.

He added: “We’ve talked a couple of games ago that someone had said there’d not been a clean sheet this season and going back into last season.

“As someone who played that position for 18 years, you take it personally, we talk to them about every goal whether you’re involved or not, you have to take it personally.

“You have to get angry, personal, and you have to keep clean sheets because as a goalkeeper and central defender you will get judged on the goals against even if they’re nothing to do with you. You have to drive the team.

“Football is hard at this level, you have to earn everything you get and the team are doing that.”

One key part in Rovers’ defensive upturn is the form, and fitness, of Daniel Ayala, the Spaniard having now matched the eight starts he made during the whole of last campaign.

Partnering captain Darragh Lenihan, as well as Nyambe and left back Harry Pickering, Mowbray feels they are shaping up well.

“Ayala makes a big difference, he played 10 times last season, and he’s the rock alongside Darragh,” he explained.

“Darragh is pretty vocal as well and can pick decent passes out, I think the combination is pretty good.

“The balance of it alright and we have to keep them fit and competing.

“Edun played in midfield when he came on, but can play left back, though Harry is doing really well.

“Generally at home we’d gamble extra attacking players but defensively we’re doing well.”