Joe Rankin-Costello says he relishes opportunities to move into midfield and be more involved in the final third.

Rankin-Costello started in the backline against Rotherham last weekend but was pushed higher up the pitch for the final half hour after Callum Brittain came off the bench.

The 24-year-old has already proven how effective he can be going forward, scoring a hat trick against Hartberg during pre-season.

“I like it in there,” he said. “It gives me a chance to get forward more and try to create opportunities,” he said.

“Hedge, Cal, Trav and Dilan are all really good footballers. It is kind of fluid, we like to play one-twos and it is enjoyable. Hopefully, we can keep that up and continue to create chances and score goals.”

“It is hard work to keep making the runs,” he grinned. “We have to get fitter, stronger and keep going.”

Rovers had plenty of joy down the right wing against the Millers, coming back from two goals down to claim a point on the road.

“I thought we started off sloppy, conceding two goals,” Rankin-Costello added. “But the good think we can take away is we have got a point away from home after being 2-0 down.

“Obviously, the sending off helped us and you have got to try and take advantage of it. I think we were unlucky not to get a third.

“(The fans) were unbelievable. They were loud behind the goal and it was like they were sucking the ball into the net.”

The result ensured Rovers maintained their unbeaten start to the new season, and the Academy graduate is keen to build on recent performances.

“We said at half time we were still in the game, but obviously we conceded an early goal in the second half,” he stated. “I think the character to come back and draw the game was good.

“We are unbeaten, we would have taken that at the start of the season I reckon. It is good and let’s try to stay unbeaten for as long as we can.”

Sam Szmodics received plenty of praise for his response in the second half, scoring a quickfire double to get Rovers back on level terms after initially missing a penalty and losing possession cheaply for the opener.

“I think Sammie deserves credit,” said the 24-year-old. “He missed the penalty but the come back and score two goals is credit to him, he was unbelievable.

“I think he has done really well to come back. He is a great character.

“I know a lot of players who would have come back out for the second half and been in their shell, but obviously he wasn’t and scored two goals.”

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men are back in league action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Hull City to Ewood Park (3pm).