Tony Mowbray says he ‘knows where the changes need to be made’ after Rovers conceded four more goals in the defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Rovers were again short of their three main central defenders at Hillsborough where they looked vulnerable at the back once again.

It is now 60 goals conceded in 38 games for Rovers, 42 of which have come on their travels, four more than any other team in the division.

Rovers failed to add to their defensive ranks during the course of the January transfer window, while Jack Rodwell, who has been transitioned in to a defender, the only signing last summer.

Under-23s captain Tyler Magloire has been drafted in to the first team for the last two games, with Rovers going with a back three of late in a bid to try and cure their defensive flaws.

“I know what I see and as I’ve said over recent weeks, and said to the dressing room after Saturday, I know where the changes need to be made and where the strengthening needs to be,” the boss said.

“That’s ultimately where we need to strengthen when we get the chance.”

The first three goals at Hillsborough all came from crosses in to the box, the second two set plays.

The giant figure of Adthe Nuhiu headed in the Owls’ second when found unmarked six yards out from a Barry Bannan free kick.

Mowbray branded that goal as ‘ridiculous’, and explaining that, added: “Some dropped and some stayed and it just appeared as if there was a massive gap for a 6’5 centre forward to head the ball in the net.

“It looked ridiculous.

“My frustration is with the experienced players out there, not the likes of Tyler Magloire who I thought was really good again.

“He stuck to his job, a young guy, who needs some guidance on the pitch I would suggest and there were some more experienced players that needed to step up and that didn’t happen.”

Lenihan hasn’t featured since coming off injured in the 5-2 defeat at Brentford on February 2. The 24-year-old is the most natural defender at the club, with Mowbray hoping he will shake off the knee problem when Rovers head to Aston Villa on March 30.

Captain Mulgrew has been withdrawn from the Scotland squad to rest his hamstring injury which has seen him miss the last two matches.

The 33-year-old, as well as Rodwell who has missed three consecutive matches, is another pushing to be fit for the Villa Park visit.

Mowbray added: “It’s been difficult for us, because Charlie’s based his game around his technique, whereas Jack is naturally a midfielder, but is at the back for us, due to his height.

“At this stage, Lenihan is the only person who wants to deal with the ball and my job in the summer is to find some players who also want to head the ball out.

“Once we do that, we’ll evolve into a decent team, which although we are on the ball, doesn’t show in the final result when we’re conceding every set-piece.”