Blackburn Rovers: Todd Cantwell is playing at his top level

Cantwell has made a promising start to the campaign, leading by example with his performances.

The 27-year-old kept his cool to slot away the penalty which he had won at the weekend before the Ipswich game fell victim to the conditions.

“I think that it just shows the level at the minute from Todd, where he is. I think he's back on his top level. He's in the prime at the minute,” said Ismael.

“He is completely free, mentally very strong, so we are here to support him. He's a great captain.

“I think that since we took the decision with him, it just confirms every week that he's the right choice for the club, for the team and with the performance following on the pitch.

“We are very pleased to have him. I think regardless of what will be the outcome, I think that Todd Conwell on that level will score a lot of goals this season if he can stay healthy.”

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Lewis Miller made his first league start, slotting into the backline after Hayden Carter had picked up a knock.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman was also drafted in as a late replacement for Sidnei Tavares, who had to pull out of the warm up.

When asked about their displays, the head coach replied: “We are not surprised because we know the players, that's why we took the players. I think for Lewis, we showed that he's able to play the centre-back position.

“For Taylor, I was really pleased because it was a tough situation. Sidnei got injured in the warm-up so you have to be ready to be straight in the game, and he made it perfectly.

“Great performance and even the leadership. I had him at West Brom so I saw clearly after four years his development.

“He’s on the right way and he made a great performance. We were pleased with the performance for our players, the standards are high in the training sessions and everyone is involved.

“We know that we need everyone but it just shows exactly what you need - at some point when the team needs you, just be ready to put the performance.”

Regardless of what happens next, Ismael can take plenty of positives from the performance against Kieran McKenna’s side, who are fancied as one of favourites to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

“Ipswich is a top side in the league. You see clearly how much money they have invested in the squad, very good players,” he said.

“That's why I was really proud of the performance. It was a big challenge for us to see how we are after two months full together.

“I think that we showed a very good performance, very strong togetherness, solid when you have to be solid and we played some great football.

“So the boys were really brave on the ball, what we expected from our players. Now, hopefully, this performance can carry on with that confidence.

“Now we will face, for sure, another challenge on Saturday. But it's clear we had the discussion after the game, 48 hours, which is normal for everyone because nobody knows what's going on.

“It's a grey area, there are no clear rules on that. But now our focus is on the game on Saturday.”