TONY Mowbray has called for resilience and consistency if Rovers are to make a push into the play-offs, and feels the return of Darragh Lenihan could be key.

The defender is in line for a return at home to Bristol City tomorrow after missing the last two games due to suspension for accumulated bookings, following a yellow card in the goalless draw with Stoke City.

Without the Irishman Rovers drew 2-2 with Swansea City at Ewood Park before losing 3-0 at Derby County last weekend.

And Mowbray says the amount of goals conceded shows how much Lenihan’s absence has been felt.

“We’ve probably felt it a bit more, we’ve lost five goals in the two games that Darragh hasn’t played,” noted the Rovers boss.

“We had that issue last year. We lost way too many goals last year – nearly 70 goals last season. It’s been tighter this year and it gives you a better chance to win more football matches.

“Lenihan is a big important part of that. There’s no guarantee, every game is different, every game stands on its own two feet.

“Derby’s first goal for instance went into the top corner from 25 yards. The second one was another 25 yard shot that came off the keeper and was followed up.

“He’s just a good reassurance, a good organising voice who generally plays on the front foot and deals with problems and puts problems out.

“I’m looking forward to putting that combination of (Tosin) Adarabioyo and Lenihan back together and hopefully results get back to clean sheets and victories.”

He added: “Darragh’s presence on the training ground is a big plus for us. He’s been training with us but you can feel his extra intensity knowing that he’s back now, he’s over his suspension and hopefully he will make the impact that we require this weekend.”

Lenihan's return is particularly timely given Rovers host a Bristol City side just two points and three places above them in a Championship table that has barely altered since last weekend, as far as the push ffor a top six finish goes.

Rovers remain three points adrift of sixth, with two wins the difference between sixth place and 13th.

“Nine games to go, it feels a long way. With 27 points to play for a lot can change. You can’t get too up or down on one result," said Mowbray.

“I think the team has done pretty well over a long period of time. That was our fifth defeat in the last 22 games. It’s ok. We have got nine games to go and if we can minimise the defeats and keep picking up points we’ll go pretty close I think.

“I don’t see huge changes. Maybe some teams below us might go on a run and have the opportunity to get in amongst the pack as well but I would hope that we would be in the pack like all those teams around us. It might go down to the last few games. Let’s wait and see.

“It’s going to be a tough game. Bristol City are a team that have been in the top six just about all year, but we can beat anybody at home and the players go out with the belief that we can."