Rovers player ratings from the 4-0 win over Birmingham City
Thomas Kaminski 7
A poor kick was almost punished by Aneke but helped his side to a fifth consecutive clean sheet with two good second half saves from McGree and Jutkiewicz.
Ryan Nyambe 8
Played as advanced as he has at any point as a wing-back and was excellent in the lead up to the opening goal. Won six tackles in all.
Darragh Lenihan 9
At the top of his form. An excellent pass set up the second goal for Khadra and seems to be thriving on the right side of the defensive three. Leading the side with authority, winning seven headers and making four interceptions.
Jan Paul van Hecke 8
A fine cross-field pass led to the opening goal. Wasn’t troubled once by the physicality of Deeney and looked a threat in the opposition box when attacking corners. Won seven headers, blocked three shots and made five clearances.
Scott Wharton 8
Helped repel the Birmingham City set piece threat by winning six headers. Composed as ever on the ball as he continued his fine run of results in the side.
Harry Pickering 8
So much of his work goes unnoticed which is a real strength. Has made that spot in the side his own.
Lewis Travis 8
Stopped Birmingham building any impetus snuffling out any potential impetus. Patrolled the midfield area and was also willing to run ahead of the ball.
Joe Rothwell 8
Was one of men who really stepped on the gas in the second half as Rovers took charge, involved in the penalty won by Brereton. Another one Rovers were able to rest late on.
John Buckley 8
Tapped home his first goal since January and was again at the heart of Rovers’ pressing effort but showed plenty of quality with the ball at his feet. Mowbray had the luxury of taking him off when on a yellow card.
Reda Khadra 8
Looked lively from the off and had the pace to beat the Birmingham backline. Showed his speed and composure to round Sarkic before tapping home Rovers’ second. Rested, rather than replaced, when coming off.
Ben Brereton 8
Quiet in the first half, but came to the party once Rovers had gone 2-0 up. Stuck his penalty away before a close-range header added a second. An audacious chip almost brough him a hat-trick as Rovers finished on the front foot.
Subs
Sam Gallagher (for Buckley, 62) 6
Only managed 10 touches but will have benefited from the run out after his recent injury.
Dan Butterworth (for Khadra, 68) 7
Thumped the bar with a strike from distance and helped create the fourth for Brereton.
Bradley Johnson (for Rothwell, 73) 6
A fine pass helped create an opening for the fourth goal.
Not used: Aynsley Pears, Daniel Ayala, Jacob Davenport, Leighton Clarkson
Birmingham: Sarkic, Sanderson, Roberts (Bela, 37), Friend, Pedersen, James, Sunjic, McGree, Graham (Colin, 46), Aneke (Jutkiewicz, 66), Deeney
Subs: Etheridge, Woods, Hogan, Hall
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