John Eustace insists the Rovers squad are embracing the challenge ahead as they enter the final block of games of the Championship season.

The run-in starts with an Easter double header, facing Ipswich at Ewood Park on Friday before heading to Sunderland on Monday.

Rovers racked up draws against Millwall, Plymouth and Middlesbrough before the international break, including a clean sheet at the Riverside Stadium.

Those results left Eustace’s side 17th in the table with a three-point cushion above the drop zone heading into the business end of the campaign.

“We are in it together – the squad, the players, the staff and most importantly the fans,” said the head coach.

“Whatever happens over these eight games, we stick together. We are really excited about the challenge ahead and that starts on Friday.

“(Ipswich) are a very strong squad, they had a Championship squad in League One last year and invested very well in January.

“It is the third season they have all been together now so they have got that togetherness, they know each other’s jobs and are coached very well.

“They are having a fantastic season but all I am worried about is Blackburn. We will have a gameplan to play against them and we are looking forward to coming up against a really good team.”

Eustace had a busy start to his Rovers tenure, with the games coming thick and fast, but was able to spend some useful time on the training pitch during the break.

The boss explained that the plan wasn’t to implement “drastic changes” but rather make a few tweaks for the remaining fixtures.

“The two weeks has been good,” he added. “It has given us an opportunity to rest players and give them a breather, but also get some good time on the training pitch where we can give the boys some key principles.

“We aren’t making loads of drastic changes, we are just trying to add little bits and ideas to help the boys.”

Troy Deeney revealed during a radio interview on Wednesday morning that he had visited Brockhall to observe a training session.

The 35-year-old was sacked by Forest Green earlier this year following a brief stint as player-manager at the League Two club.

When asked about Deeney’s visit, Eustace replied: “Troy is a really good friend of mine, obviously I played with him at Watford and managed him at Birmingham.

“He asked if he could come in and have a look, and my door is open to anyone who wants to come in. Troy really enjoyed the day and it was great to see him.

“I am sure he had a chat with a few of the lads, he is not shy! He is a big character and was a top player.

“He has loads of Premier League experience so any words of encouragement to any of the lads will help, I am sure.”