The Tyrhys Dolan story is a remarkable one, even if solely judged in number form.

He made his 100th league appearance for Rovers in the win over Sheffield United, contributing his 11th assist, matching his goal tally in those same number of matches.

His century of appearances have come in double quick time, Rovers having only played 127 times in the Championship since Dolan's arrival. That was a one a free from Preston North End, if you needed any reminding.

Reaching the milestone 66 days after his 21st birthday, Dolan slots in at fifth place when it comes to the youngest player to reach 100 league appearances, beating Damien Duff by 78 days.

An infectious attitude, added to a dogged determination and no shortage of quality, Dolan has ensured he has racked up the appearances in double-quick time.

Aided by his versatility and excellent fitness record, the attacker has become a firm fixture in Rovers’ plans.

Speak to Dolan and his aims are always clear.

First he goes on the pitch to represent himself, the club and his family in the only way he knows how, with 100 per cent commitment.

Then, it is to up his number of starts and become a main source of goals and assists for the team.

His 29 Championship appearances this season have seen 14 come from the start, and 15 from the bench, and tipping the balance in the favour of the former is a key aim.

His appearance against Sheffield United was a sixth successive start, an interesting quirk being that he has made more than that on just one previous occasion.

That came when starting seven of the first eight games of the 2020/21 season, having made his debut on the opening day at Bournemouth and then going on to be involved in every matchday squad of his opening year in senior football.

The weekend win was his 35th appearance of the season, only one behind the whole of the 2021/22 campaign.

Dolan’s performances have kept top scorer Ben Brereton out of the side, contributing two goals and an assist in his last four matches, and contributing to the team’s unbeaten run.

While his versatility has enabled him to clock up the appearances, it has at times hindered his number of starts.

He burst onto the scene as a flying right winger, but has rarely been used their since, more regularly used either on the left, as a No.10 or as the central striker.

His strike at Leicester, and also against Reading last season, show how he can thrive playing from the left, cutting on his right foot.

The only issue there is Brereton, though for how much longer remains to be seen.

When joining Rovers in 2020, the plan was for Dolan to become part of Rovers’ Under-23s set-up, though he was fast-tracked into the first-team after making his mark during the pre-season campaign.

A little over six months later he signed a long-term contract extension, reflecting his first-team status.

That three-and-a-half year deal now has just 18 months left to run, though Rovers do hold the option to extend by a further year.

Dolan will therefore be right at the forefront of the club’s mind when it comes to an extension in a bid to safeguard his value that only looks set to go one way.

As for the here and now, Dolan is continuing to enjoy the ride.

“It was my 100th league appearance for Rovers, a club that means the world to me and a club that gave me my opportunity,” he said after the Sheffield United win.

“My professional debut came with Rovers and to reach 100 league games, it’s crazy how quickly it’s gone.

“It’s a proud moment for me, my family and my friends, who have all been part of my journey and can see the rewards I’ve got.

“To be one of the youngest players to reach that milestone for Blackburn Rovers, it’s definitely a special one for me.”

 

 

Ewood has been a happy hunting ground for Dolan, not least given it was there during an FA Youth Cup tie in early 2020 that he first caught the eye of the Rovers staff watching.

They then jumped at the chance to sign him when the chance became available, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Eight of his 11 Championship goals have come at home, where his family are often watching on with pride.

“I enjoy it at Ewood and wearing the shirt is a blessing for me and my family,” he told RoversTV.

“The mileage my family have put into my career, with my dad travelling everywhere and doing extra sessions together during my time in the different academies, playing futsal, he was non-stop.

“My mum as well, she has always been there to deal with the emotional side of the games.

“They’ve sacrificed so much time and it’s only right that I bring them into it whenever I speak about football because we’re a team.

“I want them to see all of my career and hopefully a lot of highs. I think they’re enjoying my journey just as much as I am.

“I don’t represent just myself when I go onto the pitch. I represent my mum and dad, the team and the club."