Jon Dahl Tomasson has challenged his team to share the goals around and ensure more Blackburn Rovers players hit double figures this season.

Rovers missed out on the play-offs by goal difference last season and putting the ball in the back of the net has again been an issue this time around. The team have created buckets of chances but haven't taken their opportunities and against Sunderland, they were punished.

Ben Brereton Diaz was the only player to hit more than 10 Championship goals last season and he's now playing at Villarreal. Sam Szmodics has made a good step towards that tally with four goals in his first seven but more players need to step up.

Tomasson insists more players need to be aiming for that marker to ensure Rovers are close to their aims in May.

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"I think you saw in the last 15 games, in the beginning, there were ups and downs which is normal if you want to have a very clear way of playing football," Tomasson said.

"Since the start of this season, the lads have done an excellent job creating a lot of chances. It's very nice.

"Last season, we had Ben who got double figures and we need players who can do that. We only had one last year and we need more this season.

"We have to spread the goals around but it's great to see how we are creating those chances. The way they are doing it is brilliant.

"It's great we are creating them and we can't complain about that but scoring is tough. I am happy that Harry (Leonard) got his second goal, a young boy from the academy getting used to the stress of the game.

"If you score, you're more confident. We are number one in the league for creating chances.

"We've had the first opportunities before the opponent had had a chance. We know the first goal is so important, it's a bit boring but the story tells itself."

At the back, Rovers have conceded seven goals in their last three games and have only kept one Championship clean sheet. However, looking closer, the manner of those goals have been quite unfortunate.

Looking at underlying metrics such as expected goals against, a metric to define the quality of chances Rovers are conceding, the team ranks above average in the league. 

Tomasson believes they have been quite unfortunate defensively and isn't concerned by the recent record. He also outlined his excitement to play in front of a sold-out crowd at Portman Road.

"If you look at those stats and the expected results, we are doing a lot of things right," Tomasson explained. "It's great to see a young, hungry group and how they have developed.

"They are developing into big assets. The academy is proud. It will be a big crowd and that can be a learning curve.

"It's the greatest work in the whole world. It's a sold-out crowd and that's what you want as a player and a coach. You want a full stadium and to perform against the pressure of the game. We have to use that as energy and petrol for the car."