Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the defeat to Stoke City.

David Raya 7

The two stand-out moments from a Rovers player in the game belong to him. Was beaten by a thumping strike from Etebo, but made two excellent saves to keep Rovers in the game, the first from a Bojan penalty, and the second from a late Vokes header.

Ryan Nyambe 5

Given a tough test by McLean, and many moves broke down at his feet. Tired as the second half went on before being replaced.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Saved certain goal when blocking an Etebo shot in the first half.  A few too many booming balls forward which failed to find their target.

Charlie Mulgrew 5

Made one excellent challenge on Afobe but conceded a penalty from a similar one moments later. Another injury forced him off at the break.

Amari’i Bell 5

Got in to plenty of promising positions high up the pitch, but a hesitancy with the ball at his feet saw him fail to make the most of them.

Richie Smallwood 5

Preferred to Travis, before the switch was made in the second half. No shortage of effort, but Rovers came up against a midfield two in Allen and Etebo who proved too strong.

Corry Evans 5

Restored to the side after injury, but needed to play with a little more injury. Played higher up the pitch in the second half, but too many stray passes

Elliott Bennett 5

Started in the No.10 role, and while he hassled and harried, couldn’t provide the attacking threat Rovers needed. Crossing a particular let down.

Joe Rothwell 6

Couldn’t test Butland enough with two first half efforts, and while he never stopped trying to make things happen, his threat reduced as the game went on.

Adam Armstrong 6

Curled an early effort against the bar in the first half and a well-hit effort was straight at Butland in the second. Rovers couldn’t find a way of getting him in behind the Stoke backline.  

Danny Graham 6

A tough afternoon made more difficult by the lack of service. Battled away to his credit, but was always going to find it difficult against a strong Stoke backline.

Subs

Derrick Williams (for Mulgrew, 46) 6

Got the nod over Rodwell to replace Mulgrew. Didn’t have too much work to do defensively as Rovers dominated the second period.

Lewis Travis (for Smallwood, 72) 6

Got closer to the strong-running Etebo than either Smallwood or Evans had. Surprisingly dropped to the bench.

Ben Brereton (for Nyambe, 77) 5

Had a chance late on but couldn’t turn the ball in from a scramble.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Jack Rodwell, Harrison Reed, Craig Conway

Stoke City: Butland, Allen, Ince (Clucas, 39), Etebo, Afobe, McClean, Batth, Martins Indi, Shawcross (Williams, 52), Bojan (Vokes, 60), Edwards

Subs: Federici, Adam, Verlinden, Woods