Ben Brereton says an appearance for the Under-23s was a joint decision between him and Tony Mowbray, one he felt worked out perfectly.

Brereton scored twice in an 80 minute outing for Damien Johnson’s side in a 5-1 win at Doncaster on Monday night.

The 19-year-old has started just three times for Rovers in the Championship since a big money move from Nottingham Forest and having failed to score at first team level, revealed his confidence has taken a dip.

But Brereton believes being among the goals at whatever level can only be a boost for him as he targets a more regular first team spot in the final 12 games.

“I have spoken to the gaffer, me and him are great together, and he said he was good for me to get some minutes under my belt and get my confidence up,” the teenager told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I would say that my confidence has taken a bit of a hit, I haven’t been playing as much as I have been used to, or scoring the goals that I have, but night’s like that can help get your confidence up and I was happy to be playing.

“It worked perfect, I agreed with him that I needed to get some minutes.

“Every goal, no matter who it’s for, Under-23s or first-team, it’s always good.

“I was happy with my performance and the team’s as well.

“The Under-23s have some good players, and with Chapman and Nuttall as well, it was good to get some minutes, and a good result.”

Brereton’s signing, and first season at the club, has been a hot topic of debate for supporters, though boss Mowbray has maintained confidence in his summer recruit.

The attacker has a close relationship with his best, and the rest of the squad, and admits he is enjoying life in East Lancashire.

He added: “I’m loving it. The first team lads are quality and the coaching staff are brilliant.

“I’m just looking to kick on now and hopefully getting minutes like this, they will come for the first team and I can get myself a goal. The manager is amazing, he keeps all the lads going and let’s us know how we’re doing.

“I was happy to play for the Under-23s and was happy to get a couple of goals. I will discuss it with the manager and speak to him.”

Joe Nuttall also grabbed himself a goal in either half. The 22-year-old has dipped in and out of Under-23s football this season and like Brereton, was given a run out for Johnson’s side having struggled for first team minutes of late.

“Joe has done well, he’s played for the Under-23s this season and scored a lot of goals,” Brereton added.

“He’s proven himself with the first team in games and he’s looked sharp in training.”