Boss Tony Mowbray has no regrets over Rovers’ lack of incomings in the January transfer window and is happy with both the quality and quantity of his squad.

No sooner had Rovers allowed defender Paul Downing to leave on loan they learned that a knee ligament injury would sideline Darragh Lenihan for up to eight weeks.

Their sole January signing, Harry Chapman, is not yet up to speed and any more injuries could leave the Rovers squad looking particularly stretched.

But Mowbray says he does not want to stockpile players and wants to work with a manageable group in a bid to keep everyone on their toes.

He said of the squad situation: “It’s okay, it’s fine. I prefer the camaraderie of the group to be tight, rather than have dozens of players laying around, some you don’t even remember if they don’t get picked or don’t play, but you still have to deal with them because they’re human beings and they are in the building and might be sulking or moping about. That can create an atmosphere sometimes.

“I prefer to have the balance right of the number of footballers with the right personality and who understands the manager can only pick 11 starters every game, and they have to work really hard so to when an opportunity comes along they’re ready to play and there’s no excuses.

“Everybody trains really hard, everyone fights for their position and that’s what we try and create.”

Ben Gladwin, Dominic Samuel and Jacob Davenport are long-term injury absentees for Rovers, with Lenihan joining the treatment room this month.

And should they suffer any more injuries in the final 15 games of the season, Mowbray said he has faith in the youngsters coming through at the club and would be willing to hand them opportunities.

“We know that we’re going to pick up a few injuries,” the boss added.

“We have Samuel and Gladwin who are long-term injuries who would have impacted on the first team this year I’m sure.

“Moving forward, we’ll be fine. If we get to a situation, through injuries, where we have to play some of the youngsters then I’m more than happy to do that.

“I’m just looking forward to the (Reading) game and getting ready to see if we can get three points.”