RUDY Gestede and Ben Marshall may have been busy grabbing the headlines during Blackburn Rovers’ six-match unbeaten run.

But the role Lee Williamson has played in Rovers’ rise up the Championship standings should not go unnoticed.

That was the view of Gary Bowyer ahead of tomorrow’s long trip to the south coast to take on Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bowyer hopes to welcome the midfielder back into his squad after he missed Tuesday’s dramatic and ultimately disappointing 2-2 draw at 10-man Millwall.

Williamson was a big loss at the Den.

Rovers could have done with his experience and his tenacity when the tough got going after the fired-up Lions were reduced to 10 men.

But Williamson has a chance of facing the struggling Seagulls tomorrow.

And if the 32-year-old does take to the field at the Amex, then he will do so with praise ringing in his ears from his manager, who paraphrased comments made famous by Ruud Gullit when expressing his admiration for the veteran.

“We’re certainly hoping he’ll be available,” said Rovers boss Bowyer.

“He’s been with the doctor, he’s worked hard to try and get fit and we’ll give him as long as we possibly can to make the trip because we need his experience.

“He’s been ever so good for us, which doesn’t surprise us, but sometimes it goes unnoticed what he does.

“But I’m pleased he’s got the recognition recently with his performances.

“Football’s a sexy game now, so everybody wants the sexiness of it, but the team appreciate the people who really put in a shift in as well.”

Winger Marshall will be fit to face Brighton after he escaped unhurt from the strong challenge that led to Millwall right back Andy Wilkinson being sent off.

But defender Tommy Spurr (groin), midfielder Jason Lowe (foot), winger Josh King (back) and striker Chris Brown (knee) remain sidelined – for now.

Bowyer said: “We’re looking forward to coming back after the international break already in terms of injuries because we feel Jason Lowe won’t be too far away, Chris Brown certainly should be back in the fold, Tommy Spurr shouldn’t be too far away, and Josh King as well.

“We’re hopeful they can give us a real boost before Christmas.

“It would really strengthen us and make the competition really good, which can only be of benefit for the team.”

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson is back in training after a knee injury.

The former England number one, who is in the final year of his contract at Rovers, suffered a knee injury before the 1-0 win at Fulham on September 20.

But since then he has been unable to dislodge Jason Steele from between the posts while the back-up keeper’s position on the bench has been taken by Simon Eastwood.

When asked about Robinson’s position, Bowyer said: “Steeley has come in and done ever so well.

“There is competition for all the places and Robbo is no different on that front. It’s good that we’ve got that competition.”

Then asked about Robinson’s future, Bowyer said: “He’s contracted, like any other player, and as far I’m concerned, unless something else happens, they are Blackburn Rovers players.”

Meanwhile, Millwall’s appeal against Wilkinson’s red card on Tuesday has been rejected by the FA.