Jon Dahl Tomasson described Dom Hyam as ‘a leader by example’ as he praised Rovers’ double player-of-the-year award winner.

Hyam scooped the player, and players’ player-of-the-year prizes at the club’s end of season awards ceremony in recognition of his consistency across his debut season at Ewood Park.

The 27-year-old was one of three permanent signings by the club last summer when joining from Coventry City and immediately became a key figure in the side.

He was a virtual ever present, playing 44 times in all, and his quicker than expected recovery from an ankle injury sustained in January summed up his commitment to Tomasson who has been delighted by his performances across the season.

“He was injured, his ankle at Rotherham away, everyone expected he would be out for eight to 12 weeks, the boy was back in five because he has a great mentality,” the head coach said.

“Dom is one who always wants to do well for the team.

“He’s a leader by example.

“The first game he played at Blackpool, everyone was ‘mate’, I put him immediately in the team because you could see the quality.

“His quality is extremely good, he’s able to play a lot of games, he’s solid and you want a defender to be solid.

“He’s a leader by example.”

Hyam edged out Joe Rankin-Costello and Sam Szmodics for the award, and to do the double was a special moment for the 27-year-old.

He added: “It’s a great feeling to be recognised by the fans and my peers.

“I feel like I’ve had a consistent, solid season and I’m buzzing with them both.

“I think everyone has done great, personally and on a collective level, and it’s a team effort but to be appreciated individually is really special to me.”