Derrick Williams admits injury, and not feeling settled in one position, have contributed to a frustrating season.

Williams was the club’s player of the season in their previous Championship campaign and started all but one of their League One fixtures on the way to promotion last term.

But the 25-year-old has been hit by a string of niggling injuries and had to be content with filling in at either left back, or central defence, when required.

Boss Tony Mowbray considers him an option in both positions, with Rovers having struggled with injuries in defence throughout the course of the season.

Williams’ case hasn’t been helped by two red cards, sent off for deliberate handball in the Carabao Cup tie at Bournemouth in September and then for a professional foul in the defeat to Middlesbrough at Ewood Park in February.

And when asked for an assessment of his season, Williams said: “It’s been frustrating. I don’t think I have played more than three games in a row.

“I have had a lot of injuries, and I have learned a lot from bad situations.

“The Bournemouth incident, which was stupid, the Middlesbrough red card also, and I’ve never felt fully match fit like I do.

“I feel sharp now, and the best I’ve felt in a long time. I’m looking to play as many games as I can now and take that in to next season.”

Amari’i Bell has taken his chance to become the first choice at left back, with Williams now back in the side in central defence.

And he says the difference in those two positions does take some getting used to.

The Republic of Ireland international added: “When you’re coming in left back one game and centre half for one game, it’s completely different.

“Centre half it’s about your positional play, you see everything in front of you, left back you’re getting out on the wing, more one-v-ones.

“There’s more running so you have to physically be a lot fitter to play left back. I have found it quite tough with the injuries.

“It’s been frustrating but hopefully I’m over that, and feel good.”

With Championship safety secured, despite a disappointing run of form since January, Rovers have already turned their attentions towards next season.

Mowbray has hinted he wants this side to play more possession-based football next season, something Williams says is being worked on during training.

But he feels they can still pick up more points in their remaining four games in a bid to push towards the 60-point mark.

“We have looked at styles and patterns of play in these last few weeks and now is the perfect time to do that looking ahead to next season,” said Williams who made his 250th career appearance at the weekend.

“There’s no pressure on us. We can get on the ball more, pass it, move, and hopefully take a good run of form in to next season.

“We have to relish this opportunity, enjoy our football and give something back to the fans.”