Tayo Edun was one of few bright spots for Rovers on a disappointing afternoon at Blackpool.

Making just his third substitute appearance since his deadline day arrival from Lincoln City, Edun was sent on as the replacement for Sam Gallagher when he went off injured just before the break in the 2-1 defeat.

Operating from the left flank, Edun gave Rovers a spark with his willingness to carry the ball forward, and his tenacity in the tackle was part of a second half display with greater intensity from the visitors as they looked to overturn their two-goal deficit.

Edun’s 18 months with Lincoln City had seen him largely deployed at left back, and while Mowbray said providing cover and competition for Harry Pickering was one reason for bringing in the 23-year-old, his all-round quality was the main reason for his signing.

He has played in central midfield in his two previous cameo appearances but operated in front of Pickering as Rovers moved to more of a 4-4-2 in the second half to allow Ben Brereton to move closer to Tyrhys Dolan at the head of the Rovers attack.

Tony Mowbray welcomes any competition within what is a tight-knit, but small, squad and acknowledged that Edun’s performance will make it difficult for him to not be included in the starting XI after the international break.

Only Leighton Clarkson and Ian Poveda of the summer signings have started for Rovers this season, with Edun and Reda Khadra confined to only substitute outings, while Jan Paul van Hecke remains sidelined by injury.

As Mowbray hopes for more players back fit after the international break, he says that will put pressure on those in the starting XI to perform more consistency, particularly after back-to-back defeats on the road at Huddersfield Town and Blackpool.

Edun also had to shake off a minor knee injury after signing, but now getting fully up to speed, Mowbray says he’s making a claim for more minutes and expects him to become a key player for the club.

“Tayo is a good player, he’s got all the qualities that we want in the team and he’s just been waiting to get himself up to speed, to get to know his team-mates and I think Tayo will make it really difficult for him not to be in this team down the line,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“That’s what I’ve said to them, football is a competition within a competition and while they all might be mates, you have to get in the starting team and don’t sulk and moan if you’re not in it, and if you are then you have to win football matches and make it hard for those not in it to get into the team.

“The last two games suggest there might be a few on the outside who get an opportunity and Tayo didn’t do himself any harm.”