Tony Mowbray says he will ‘judge with his eyes’ and believes Rovers aren’t far from a return to winning ways.

Rovers slipped to a fourth defeat in their last seven games against Leeds United on Boxing Day and have now just won once in eight attempts.

They have conceded 17 times in that run, with their most recent two defeats being by a single goal against the top two sides in the division in Leeds and Norwich.

Rovers conceded twice in injury time at Elland Road to lose 3-2, with shipping late goals a worrying trend for Mowbray’s men.

Asked about the recurring theme the boss said: “With total respect to the media world it’s full of statistics but I have to judge with my eyes.

“If we were miles away and had lost 3-2 then I’d be saying that. But we’re not a million miles away. We’ve been in both games.

“To lose 1-0 to Norwich in a game we could have nicked 1-0, and to lose 3-2 (to Leeds) in a game we could easily have won 2-1, to drop two points against Birmingham, to draw with Rotherham, they could have all been three points. But they are the fine margins.

“We need to improve bit by bit, but I won’t ever be able to improve the workrate, the desire and commitment of the team, but maybe add some quality.

“That’s not to replace anyone, that’s to help the team.”

Fans have been critical of Rovers’ inability to see games out having watched their side concede 18 times in the last 16 minutes of matches this term.

That is almost half of their 37 goals leaked in 24 Championship fixtures since promotion from League One.

Mowbray says the increase in level of opposition has to be factored in and believes the performances have deserved better results.

He said: “You watch the games as I watch the games, you see the desire, the determination, the drive.

“We’re playing in the Championship with a team that practically came up from League One.

“We’re playing against teams like Leeds United, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Derby County, not, with respect, Oldham, Bury and Rochdale.

“There are some pretty good teams in this league and they are allowed to attack and they will score goals.

“I’m not going to be critical of the team, people will have their opinion, everyone is probably a better manager than me, but I will keep working hard with the group and improve it when we can and see where this season takes us.”