Jon Dahl Tomasson was pleased with Joe Rankin-Costello’s impact against Rotherham after moving higher up the pitch for the final half hour.

Rankin-Costello started at right-back but was given more freedom to get forward after Callum Brittain came off the bench.

The 24-year-old combined effectively with Brittain and Ryan Hedges, causing the Millers plenty of problems on the wing as Rovers came back from 2-0 down to claim a point.

“It is something we have worked for and the players have bought into,” Tomasson told The Lancashire Telegraph.

“They are doing an excellent job of finding those spaces and combining out wide and in midfield.

“That is positive and something we have been working hard on in training and in games last season. I think we can all see the benefit of it.”

Sam Szmodics scored a quickfire double during the second half to get Rovers back on level terms.

It was an impressive response from the attack-minded midfielder, who had missed a penalty and lost possession cheaply for the opening goal.

When asked if he had considered taking Szmodics off the pitch, Tomasson replied: “Sammie can score goals, we saw that last season.

“When he came here in the beginning, as he said himself it was about getting used to a new club, new thoughts, a new manager and new team-mates.

“At the end of last season, I think Sammie did an excellent job for the club. Today was a bit of a roller coaster.”

Sam Gallagher also came off the bench – his first appearance since the goalless draw against Fleetwood in pre-season.

The forward missed the victories against West Brom and Walsall after picking up a knock in training.

“He almost scored a goal,” Tomasson continued. “A great save from the goalkeeper, I think he did an excellent job and Rotherham defended really well with great spirit.”