Ahead of this weekend’s trip to Watford, we have taken a look at four areas of the Rovers squad where Jon Dahl Tomasson has been given food for thought.
Callum Brittain was perhaps a tad unlucky to find himself out of the starting line-up during the first few games of the campaign, but the versatile defender impressed after coming on at left-back against Hull.
The former Barnsley man looks set to start against Watford this weekend, with Harry Pickering suspended and Jake Batty missing last weekend’s fixture due to a minor issue.
Rovers are currently light in numbers in defence, with Sam Barnes also facing another spell out of action with a thigh problem.
The current situation highlights the need for reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with Danny Batth and Ross Sykes both on the club’s radar.
One positive is the partnership between Hayden Carter and Dom Hyam in the middle of the backline. The pair formed a good understanding during the final months of last season and have picked up where they left off.
Rovers’ impressive defensive numbers were a major factor in their play-off push last term and Tomasson will been keen to maintain a solid base.
Midfield flexibility
There has been some debate among supporters over which role best suits Adam Wharton’s individual qualities.
The Academy graduate’s technical ability is clear for all to see and he looks set to have a big future in the game if he keeps his feet on the ground.
Tomasson has used him alongside Lewis Travis in recent weeks, viewing his biggest strength as receiving the ball in deeper areas and building attacks.
However, Wharton has also looked dangerous when pushed into a more advanced midfield role, where he is perhaps more likely to pick out a killer pass or chip in with goals.
Travis continues to play an important role in the middle of the pitch and his energy is a major asset when trying to dictate the play in the way Tomasson wants.
Summer signing Sondre Tronstad started against West Brom on the opening day. While he was still building up his sharpness, the 27-year-old showed glimpses of what he can bring to the side against the Baggies.
Attacking options
Sam Gallagher’s return has bolstered Tomasson’s attacking options and Niall Ennis continues to look sharper each time he steps onto the pitch.
Gallagher came off the bench against Rotherham and was on target against Hull last weekend, beating Matt Ingram with a clinical finish.
Ennis played a part in the goal and was also involved in Sam Szmodics’ equaliser against Rotherham earlier this month.
The forward will be keen to prove he has what it takes to make it in the Championship, having scored 14 goals last term as Plymouth Argyle clinched the League One title.
Harry Leonard impressed against West Brom on the opening day, scoring his first senior goal at Ewood Park, but has struggled to make his mark in the last couple of fixtures.
The youngster will only improve with game time, having put pen to paper over a new four-year deal earlier this summer.
Arnor Sigurdsson is also targeting a return after the international break, although he will need to build up his fitness after missing pre-season.
The Iceland international certainly knows where the net is, scoring 15 goals in 26 appearances while on loan at IFK Norrkoping last term.
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