Ryan Hedges felt it would have been ‘a travesty’ had Rovers not come away with all three points, and was glad to play his part in the victory over Reading.

Hedges’ goal eight minutes from time saw Rovers to a 19th win of the season and cemented their place in the top six heading into the international break.

The 27-year-old was introduced moments after the visitors had equalised, with Ben Brereton having put Rovers ahead in the second minute on his return to the side.

Hedges provided the winning moment, sliding the ball beyond Joe Lumley from a neat Sam Gallagher backheel, as Rovers moved up to fifth in the Championship table.

The win sets them up perfectly for Sunday's FA Cup quarter final at Sheffield United.

“It was nice to get another goal infront of the home fans but three points are the most important, especially in a game where if we didn’t come away from it with three points it would have been a travesty,” Hedges explained.

“That’s something that has been instilled in us from the start of the season, that we’re hard to beat, especially at home, and I think when we get our noses infront we’re very, very good.

“We limited them to one or two opportunities, they scored from one, but then it’s about the resilience of the lads to pick ourselves up and keep going.

“Even at 1-1 it felt like there was only going to be one winner.”

Hedges was introduced, alongside Tyrhys Dolan, in the moments after Reading had equalised.

Of being sent on, he explained: “Me and Tyrhys were coming on a 1-0, but then they scored and it’s not a nice feeling as you want to go on when you're winning.

“It’s then up to us to come on and try and impact the game, that’s what the gaffer said to us, and thankfully we did.

“We deserved to win and get the three points and that was the main thing.”

It was a third goal for Hedges this season, and adding to his tally is a key aim of his as he looks to win back his place in the starting line-up.

He was one of the most consistent performers in the first half of the season, but has found it difficult to keep his place in the side in 2023, with Sorba Thomas becoming a regular on the right flank his arrival on loan.

The 27-year-old knows goals will be key to him being back in the side, and he said: “Players are judged, especially attackers, on goals and assists and to keep chipping away and adding to my numbers is always a good thing.

“I probably haven’t scored as many as I would have liked but if I keep getting in the positions then I back my ability.”

“I should have had two against Leicester, but full credit to Gally for the assist, it’s probably better than the goal.

“It was a well-worked team goal, one and two touch, playing forward, and forward runs which is what the gaffer wants.”

Hedges’ late winner ensured that Rovers will go into the international break in the top six, irrespective of what happens elsewhere in the division at the weekend.

Rovers are without a league game, instead turning their attentions to the FA Cup as they face Sheffield United, with a place at Wembley on the line.

“Sunday is massive, I think we’re all looking forward to it,” Hedges said.

“We’ve sold just under 6,000 so we’re going to be well backed and it’s going to be a great occasion.

“We’ll recover and get ready for Sunday.

“That will be an amazing occasion.

“We know they’re a very good side but we beat them two weeks ago and if we put in the same level of performance as we did at home then there’s no reason we can’t again.”

Hedges will hope his goal against Reading, and performance at Leicester, will be enough to give him a starting berth on Sunday, his case helped by Thomas being ineligible, having already played in the competition for Huddersfield Town.

“Hopefully, that’s up to the manager, but I have to do all I can to perform and get back into the team,” Hedges said.

“I think it’s good that the lads can come on and impact the game but the most important thing is three points and then another win on Sunday.”