Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United. 

David Raya 8 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Smart saves early on from Joselu and Kenedy before two more in the second half to keep out Shelvey efforts. Has bounced back from that error in the Birmingham draw to put in a string of excellent displays.

Elliott Bennett 7

One first half pass put his side in danger, but made one excellent block to deny a certain Joselu goal. Was his pinpoint cross from which Dack scored.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Caught out by one long ball late on, but for the most part, was effective in the air, in both boxes, and balls up towards Joselu.

Charlie Mulgrew 7

Some excellent set plays once again, including one which almost found the net. Had one shot cleared off the line. Generally well placed defensively.

Amari’i Bell 7

Kept Josh Murphy quiet in his best defensive display for a while.

Corry Evans 8

The senior partner alongside Travis, and looks comfortable alongside him. Used the ball economical and won several important challenges. Unfortunate when conceding the late penalty.

Lewis Travis 8

A couple of marauding runs forward, creating one good chance for Dack. Always seemed to be in the thick of the action. Deserves to keep his place against Millwall.

Craig Conway 7

Linked up well with Bennett down the right side and was part of some good combination play. One good cross for Graham’s chance. Always full of running. 

Bradley Dack 8

Could have scored from a Mulgrew corner early on, before planting a header beyond Woodman from a Bennett cross. Thrived on the big stage and put in a big shift off the ball.

Adam Armstrong 6

Two excellent breaks forward, one in either half, but struggled to get past former Academy team-mate Jamie Sterry. Got a good hand from the home fans when substituted.

Danny Graham 7

Scuffed an effort from Conway’s cross in the first half and led the line well, before tiring. One excellent second half goal-line clearance.

Subs

Harrison Reed (for Armstrong, 70) 5

Rested from the start, after a tough festive period, and sent on as Rovers tired late on.

Ben Brereton (for Graham, 79) 5

Had very little opportunity as Rovers finished the game on the back foot.

Derrick Williams (for Dack, 84) 5

Brought on as Rovers moved to a back three in the closing stages.

Unused subs: Jayson Leutwiler, Paul Downing, Ryan Nyambe, Joe Rothwell