Rovers player ratings from the 0-0 draw with Millwall

 

Thomas Kaminski 6

Nothing to do bar a few crosses to claim on a quiet night for the Belgian as he claimed a 13th clean sheet of the campaign.

 

Darragh Lenihan 7

Strong in the air, and on the floor, to stop Millwall from having any chance to build attacks, but did make one crucial interception late in the first half. Headed over a second half Rothwell corner.

 

Jan Paul van Hecke 8

Continually stepped out from the back with the ball to add another attacking option for Rovers which they utilised well. Completed 59 of his 65 passes, showing the more technical side of his game. Limited Millwall’s threat with his covering play, but was booked for a late challenge late on.

 

Scott Wharton 7

Showed his calmness with a flicked header to Kaminski in the second half. Didn’t step forward to join the attack in the same way as his defensive partners, but yet another calm and steady display on the left side of the defence.

 

Joe Rankin-Costello 7

Missed Rovers’ best chance of the night, breaking into the box only to try and be too precise with his shot as he fired wide. Got into some really advanced positions and looked strong all the way to the end on his first 90 minutes in a year. One good sliding challenge late on to deny Malone getting free in the box.

 

Lewis Travis 7

Found himself in some unusually advanced positions, involved in creating the early chance for Rankin-Costello. Caught by a late challenge from Saville late on, but didn’t have much defensive work to do.

 

Joe Rothwell 8

If anything was going to happen for Rovers, it looked as though Rothwell would be that man, his threat pinpointed by Gary Rowett. Had claims for a penalty turned down in the second half when it looked like he was fouled. Continued to be the man Rovers looked to make things happen, with the second most touches of anyone on the pitch.

 

Harry Pickering 7

Had a good opening in the second half only to see his shot blocked. Didn’t get in as advanced positions as Rankin-Costello on the opposite flank but always an outlet on the left. Just lacks a yard of pace when faced up one-on-one going forward, but defensively solid once more.

 

John Buckley 7

Looked re-energised on his return to the team, particularly in the first half where Millwall struggled to pick him up. A fine solo run and shot saw him denied by the post and picked up some really good positions. Denied by a point-blank save from Bialkowski which was as close as Rovers came in the second half.

Ryan Giles 6

Delivered 12 crosses into the box, but always going to be a tough ask to make anything of those against three giant central defenders. Got to the byline better in the second half, showing a greater willingness to

 

Sam Gallagher 6

Toiled away on the left, but wasn’t always on the wavelength of his team-mates, as opportunities to find him in the box were passed up. Only got a short run as the central striker before being replaced.  Had the fewest touches (30) of Rovers’ starting line-up as Mowbray continued to use him wide on the left.

 

Subs

Tyrhys Dolan (for Giles, 75)

Many fans were surprised to see him left out, and then not used until 15 minutes from time when he didn’t really have time to impact the game.

 

Ryan Hedges (for Buckley, 75)

Part of the double change, but continues to have to be patient for his opportunities.

 

Jack Vale (for Gallagher, 85)

Given the closing stages to try and make an impact on his first senior appearance since July 2020.

 

Subs not used: Aynsley Pears, James Brown, Jacob Davenport, Bradley Johnson