Rovers player ratings from the 3-0 win over Preston North End.

Thomas Kaminski 7

His demeanour just exudes confidence, a fifth clean sheet of the season, and bar a Barkhuizen he watched comfortably wide, wasn’t extended at all. His crossfield passes to Nyambe were on point every time, and his distribution a key part of the build-up play.

Ryan Nyambe 8

Kept making breaks forward from right back, even if he was overlooked at times. His pass into Armstrong late in the first half showed so far his quality on the ball has come on.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Went close in the first half, his half volley on the turn palmed away by Rudd. Blocked two shots, including one from Johnson with the score at 0-0, and controlled the physical threat of Riis well.

Scott Wharton 8

His performances get better with each outing, strong and commanding in the air, not afraid to get involved in the physical battle with Stockley after his introduction. Made four clearances, but most impressive was his use of the ball. Deserved to be part of a clean sheet.

Barry Douglas 8

Built on a strong second half at Luton, and use of the ball will likely see him become a key man in the team. Has created 13 chances in his four appearances so far, and but for a marginal offside call, would have had another assist for Gallagher. Hobbled through the latter stages after being caught by Browne.

Tom Trybull 7

Rovers took no chances after he was booked in the first half for catching Johnson late, replacing him with Davenport on the hour. Still seems to be finding his feet, didn’t always open his body up to where the space was.

Lewis Holtby 9

Controlled the game from the off, with Rovers afforded the luxury of handing him a rest for the final quarter. Has settled into his favoured central midfield role well, and makes so many good decisions on the ball.

Joe Rothwell 8

A great sight to watch when the midfielder is in full flight, his driving run setting up the second goal for Brereton. Not as involved as at Luton, but came up with a key assist, before being replaced on the hour. Was his cross that created the first half chance for Lenihan.

Sam Gallagher 8

Was given the nod by his manager and repaid him with winning the penalty, that saw Rafferty sent off, after the full back couldn’t handle his pace and power when running through on goal. Kept the ball better, and was unfortunate to see a goal chalked off for offside late on.

Adam Armstrong 8

Looked really in the mood for goals, with seven shots, many of them blocked, including a good opening in the first half. He blasted over from 20 yards when he would have been disappointed not to have at least hit the target, but tucked away his penalty with great conviction to make it 13 for the season.

Ben Brereton 9

Another goal, another assist, and yet again a star man showing from the attacker. He looked to have the beating of Fisher from the off, but was from a more central position that he timed his run well to finish off a Rothwell pass. His then teed up Dolan for a third, and came through yet another 90 minutes.

Subs

Jacob Davenport 7 (for Trybull, 60)

More minutes than we’ve seen him handed previously, and looked up for the fight, snapping into several tackles near the touchline in what was a promising cameo.

Harvey Elliott 7 (for Rothwell, 60)

Showed his quality with an excellent pass to Brereton which created the third goal. Limped off after a strong challenge from Ledson left him with a bruised knee.

Stewart Downing 7 (for Holtby, 68)

The perfect scenario for the 36-year-old to make his return to fold, cruising through the closing stages sitting infront of the back four.

Tyrhys Dolan 8 (for Armstrong, 68)

Skipped beyond Fisher with a sublime piece of skill in what his first contribution, before rounding off a perfect night for Rovers by tapping home from close range followed by his trademark celebration.

John Buckley 7 (for Elliott, 81)

Slalomed his way through the North End defence late on, before seeing a shot deflected just wide, and had a hand in the move which saw Gallagher flagged offside as he turned in Douglas’ cross.

Unused: Aynsley Pears, Hayden Carter, Amari’i Bell, Harry Chapman