Ben Brereton believes he is playing with a level of confidence similar to that of Adam Armstrong last season.

Brereton scored his 13th of the season in the win over Sheffield United and is back at Rovers earlier than expected after his international commitments with Chile were cut short after last week’s win over Paraguay because of suspension.

That has given the 22-year-old extra time to prepare for this weekend’s trip to Bristol City where he made his debut for the club in August 2018.

It’s been a long road since for the forward, but he’s built a reputation as one of the division’s most threatening players, a tag that Armstrong had last year as his 29 goals earned him a £15m move to Southampton in the summer.

And Brereton said: “Seeing Arma, he was brilliant last season scoring a load of goals. I’ve scored a few so far and I feel that when I go onto the pitch I can nick a goal or two and I feel confident.

“I just need to keep working hard.”

Tony Mowbray isn’t concerned about the prospect of January interest in Brereton following his goalscoring start to the season, despite his contract being into the final 18 months, given the year option in their favour.

The club commanded £15m, plus add-ons, for Armstrong who was into the final year of his deal, and of Brereton, the manager said: “I’m never worried about selling players.

“I’m not saying we’re in the market to sell Ben Brereton because we hope to keep him here, he helps us stay near the top end of this league and keeps scoring goals – but he’s still only a very young boy.”

Confidence and maturity have been key to Brereton’s development, highlighted by both himself and Mowbray, but also clear from his play.

But the forward believes there are more technical aspects to his game that have improved during his time away with La Roja.

“Understanding of the game, knowing when to slow it down and use your brain,” he explained.

“Going to Chile and playing for my country has helped me a lot, it’s made me play with and against great players and a different style of football in South America. The experience and learning off players who have had great careers and won trophies is vital.

“Going over and scoring a few goals has given me a lot of confidence and I’m happy here at Rovers, scoring goals here. I’m developing as a player and a person and I’m giving my all for club and country.”