Tony Mowbray is keen to tie Jack Rodwell down to a longer-term Rovers contract and is set to hold talks with the 27-year-old in the next few weeks.

The former Everton man scored his first goal for Rovers in the weekend win over Hull City and has impressed in recent weeks.

Rodwell has stepped in for captain Charlie Mulgrew at the heart of the Rovers defence and has helped Mowbray’s men to four straight victories and three successive clean sheets.

He produced a strong display in the 3-0 victory over the Tigers last time out and could well retain his place, regardless of Mulgrew’s fitness, for the Championship trip to Brentford on Saturday.

Mowbray, who brought the three-capped England international to Ewood Park on a short term deal in the summer following a testing four-year spell with Sunderland, has been pleased with Rodwell’s impact.

And he is keen to keep hold of a player he has transformed into a centre half, if a deal can be done.

“If Jack likes it here, we like Jack,” said Mowbray. “I have said all along, it is not because he has had two brilliant games.

“He is a really good lad, a really good professional, you can’t find a nicer guy.

“He shows on the pitch, his composure, his quality and his class - that is probably the word and that is what he brings, a bit of class.

“We will have those conversations but it has to suit all parties, it has to suit Jack and it has to suit the club and if we can come to some sort of agreement then that is something that we will be moving with.”

Mowbray has allowed defenders Paul Downing, Joe Grayson, Sam Hart and Scott Wharton to leave the club on loan this month leaving Rodwell, Charlie Mulgrew and Darragh Lenihan as the only natural centre backs at the club.

Derrick Williams and Amari’i Bell have filled in on occasion this season but the departures have heightened the Rovers boss’ faith in Rodwell, who has made 12 appearances for the club in all competitions this term.