John Eustace has hinted that Blackburn Rovers could change formation after Ryan Hedges' season-ending injury.

The Welshman will now miss the remainder of the campaign after sustaining another worrying hamstring problem against Southampton.

Eustace started with a 3-4-3 shape in his first few games which helped improve the solidity of the team. They have produced their best performances since switching to 4-2-3-1 over the last four Championship games though.

Hedges' injury could open the door for Dilan Markanday, who has come off the bench in the last two games. Eustace also suggested that the team might change shape with Hedges out.

READ MORE: Rovers' 2022/23 accounts give insight into Venky's issues

"It gives us an opportunity to look at a different shape, maybe a different system," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"But Dilan has been terrific coming off the bench, he's made a big impact. It might give him the chance to start but it also allows us to be more flexible with our formation as well.

"Dilan is a really important player, you can see he has quality. We've spoken about doing the other side of the game which he's been doing for us off the bench. He's progressing nicely."

Bristol City is the start of a challenging week for Rovers, who travel to Elland Road on Saturday too in front of the Sky cameras.

Eustace has admitted the early kick-off time is not ideal with Rovers set to return from Ashton Gate in the small hours of Thursday morning.

"It's a big challenge but there are no excuses," Eustace said.

"I don't mind my team being on TV. It's just about us playing on Wednesday, back in the early hours on Thursday morning and then a 12:30pm kick-off on Saturday.

"It's not a lot of time to rest the boys. The squad is very short now with the injuries we have. It's challenging but it can be exciting and show how tough this group is mentally. 

"It's how it has fallen for us. Is it fair? Probably not but we'll get on with it. The character this group has shown over the last 13 games since I've been here is clear.

"They will roll their sleeves up, work hard and be ready for the challenge ahead."