Bradley Dack made his 150th league appearance for Rovers at Bristol City and marked it with his 49th league goal.

With six more in the cup competitions, his tally of 55 in Rovers colours moves him into the top 30 of the club’s all-time goalscorers list.

It is hard not to think how many more he could have of both appearances and goals had he remained injury-free, but that hypothetical scenario must also include the likelihood that if he had, he would likely not still be a Rovers player some five-and-a-half years after his arrival.

His strike at Ashton Gate was his third since the World Cup break as he benefits from an extending run in the side.

Dack has played the full game in all three of Rovers’ Championship matches of 2023, as well as 88 minutes in the FA Cup win over Norwich City, and has made seven successive starts in the league.

This is the kind of run he always believed would get the best out of him and push him towards full match sharpness.

His growing influence on the team also saw him finish the Bristol City game as captain, and his leadership qualities are really shining through on the pitch.

It is a far cry from only two months ago when many were predicting Dack’s time at the club to be coming to an end.

Even the player himself conceded it would have had to be something he considered heading into the January transfer window had his situation not changed.

His performances are making him a must-pick, and the thoughts over his future about extending, than cutting it short.

 

WHAT IS THE SITUATION?

Dack delivered Rovers fans the perfect Christmas by first signing a new deal, and then making his long-awaited return after almost a year out, in December 2020.

That deal would run to the summer of 2023, but importantly does include a 12-month option.

That can be activated by the club to ensure Dack remains under contract until 2024. To take up that option, the club would have to do so on his current terms.

Dack is one of the club’s top earners which will have to be factored in, but equally will his popularity at the club, on and off the pitch, and the contribution he has made since his recall to the side.

 

WHAT HAS DACK SAID?

Dack gave an insightful interview earlier this month when he outlined his intention to remain at Rovers.

Asked about the option, he said: “It would be a no brainer. I’d love to stay at the club for another year.

“That’s a conversation that my agent and the club will have at some point in the near future.

“I’d be more than happy to stay and when that decision is made, the decision is made.”

 

WHAT ARE THE OTHER OPTIONS?

Rovers regularly put such options in the deals of players, and regularly take them up.

However, they have often been an insurance policy, and often last resort, given the lack of breakthrough over contract extensions.

Ryan Nyambe and Joe Rothwell had their options taken in up in 2021, but left the following year on free transfers.

The same scenario seems to be playing out with Ben Brereton.

Given how the circumstances around Dack were very different only a matter of weeks ago, the expectation is that neither side will rush into anything.

Dack will want assurances over his role in the team before committing himself to anything having missed so much football in recent seasons.

Rovers would also likely factor in his age and potential re-sale value, when it came to the negotiation table.