David Raya says belief is the key to Rovers ending a ‘season of ups and downs’ on a high.

The Spaniard believes injuries to key men have derailed Rovers’ campaign since the run of four consecutive wins in January.

But with important players now back ahead of the visit of Stoke City Raya says Rovers must maintain belief in each other, and the messages from manager Tony Mowbray, to arrest the slump in form.

He explained: “I think it’s been a season of ups and downs. We started very well but have been on a bad run and are far away from the top six.

“We now have to try and end the season as strong as possible.

“We have to believe in what the gaffer is telling us to do and the game-plans, and believe in each other. That’s what I think we have to do to get over the bad run of games.

“We have been playing good football but the results haven’t been going our way.”

Rovers were chasing a fifth straight win at Brentford on February 2, but slipped to a 5-2 defeat after leading 2-0. That was the start of a dramatic run of results which has seen Mowbray’s men collect four points from the last 30 available.

“I think we have been a bit down because we started really well and were hoping to be at least fighting for the top six,” the 23-year-old said. “We got a bit frustrated we didn’t get the wins when we needed them.

“I think the club is in a better position than three years ago, and coming back from a relegation season, I think we’ve done a pretty good job.

“It will be very positive if we win a few games and we finish the season as high as possible.

“That will set the standard for next season but we have to think about this season first.”