Jack Rodwell made a timely return to fitness, taking the place of captain Charlie Mulgrew, for his sixth league start at Millwall.

Four of those have come in a central defensive role, one Tony Mowbray feels can help the 27-year-old overcome the injury problems that have plagued his career. But the boss admits Rodwell acts as something of a ‘comfort blanket’ given his ability to play in the heart of midfield, and defence.

He put in arguably his best performance since signing a one-year deal after leaving Sunderland as Rovers chalked up a first away since October, and first clean sheet in three months.

Mowbray was without Mulgrew, Derrick Williams and Paul Downing, and was pleased to be able to call upon Rodwell to partner Darragh Lenihan.

A groin strain meant this was a first appearance since Boxing Day for Rodwell where he occupied a midfield role at Leeds United.

“Playing centre half, he’s played as a sitting midfielder, but I think behind the ball is where he’s best,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“He’s experienced, he’s mobile enough, and can use both feet so it’s not an issue for him playing on the left or the right.

“I just think he’s a comfort blanket for me. Without Rodwell we might have had to play Ryan Nyambe at centre half.

“I’m happy Jack is here. When everyone is fit will he start? He might do in three game weeks.”

Mowbray has remained loyal to the players who helped Rovers to promotion last season, with only Harrison Reed of the new faces to have started more than 10 league games so far.

Victory at Millwall moved Rovers up to 14th in the table, six points outside of the play-offs, after a tough run of games saw them won just once in nine league fixtures at the end of 2018.

“I’ve talked before, I put a lot of stock in loyalty in players who have done well for this team and I want to see how far they can take us. It’s been a little bit unfortunate that we hit the top four teams back-to-back and it’s been a tough period,” Mowbray added.

“The teams at the top are winning almost every week. We managed to beat West Bromwich Albion but with the run of games coming up to the next international break if we can maintain our levels I’ll be interested to see where we are.”

Mulgrew and Williams missed out with hamstring and calf injuries respectively, while Downing was ill. Rovers will assess the trio ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup third round replay with Newcastle at Ewood Park.

“They are both injured – I’m not sure if they will be ready for Tuesday. We will wait and see,” Mowbray said of Mulgrew and Williams.

“Paul Downing who would have potentially played was another centre half missing. He was ill on the morning of the game and went home on the train.

“We’ll assess how they are.

“The Newcastle game is one that we’d like to win. We have a good record at home, and against a Premier League side it will be difficult, but we have to keep our confidence and a level of expectation going.

“We have a home game on Saturday against Ipswich, who won on Saturday which will have given them a lift, but if we’re at our best then we can give anyone a game.”