Tony Mowbray has welcomed the return to fitness of Tyrhys Dolan – but says the attacker must produce goals and assists when he gets back in the starting line-up.

Dolan missed five matches with a hamstring injury at the start of the year but made an impact off the bench against Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion.

He saw Reda Khadra preferred to him alongside Sam Gallagher for the weekend game with Millwall which was later postponed ahead of kick-off.

Dolan’s greater impact on the bench will likely have had an impact on that decision, with the 20-year-old now turning his attention to trying to earn a recall at Sheffield United on Wednesday.

Having started 14 of Rovers’ opening 19 Championship games, Dolan has seen Khadra preferred in his place since the 4-0 win over Peterborough United on November 24 which remains his last start in the league.

He has missed out with injury at the start of 2022 but is feeling sharp upon his return and pushing for a recall.

Mowbray feels Dolan has been a miss, not least with his closing down, but the manager will also judge him on goals and assists, with three of each so far this season.

“Tyrhys is a miss when he’s not around,” Mowbray said.

“He lifts every training session with his enthusiasm and his talent and his sharpness.

“All players who get on the pitch have to produce.

“For Tyrhys it’s not just about running around, he has to create goals, score goals, he has to make chances and get assists because he plays at the top end of the pitch.

“We’re looking forward to giving him an extended run in the side.

“He’s just about there, I thought he came on and impacted the game at West Brom.

“It’s great to have him back.”