GARY Bowyer has underlined the importance of Luke Varney to his Blackburn Rovers squad by revealing he is ‘everything’ he looks for in the character of a player.

The goalscoring exploits of prolific strike-partners Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes means Varney has yet to start a single Championship match so far this season.

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But the well-travelled frontman, who can also play out wide, has never kicked up a fuss and on Saturday delivered a timely reminder of his talents.

In an all-action cameo off the bench Varney won the penalty that led to Rhodes rifling in Rovers’ last-gasp winner in the thrilling 2-1 victory over Leeds United.

And it has also led to his manager showering praise on a player he believes epitomises the all-for-one attitude that is fast forming at Ewood Park.

Rovers boss Bowyer said: “I don’t think the Blackburn public have seen enough of Varns because of the form of the front two.

“It’s through no fault of his own that he’s not started and it has been tough on the lad.

“But he’s never once knocked on my door and complained, he just gets his head down and he trains ever so hard.

“He’s everything we’re trying to get here.

“He understands why he has not been playing but he also understands he’s got a massive contribution to make to this football club and he made it on Saturday.

“He was unbelievable.”

Bowyer’s thoughts on Varney are shared by his team-mates.

On-loan goalkeeper Jason Steele, who will be ineligible to face his parent club Middlesbrough on Saturday, said: “I don’t think he’s started since I have been here but every time he has come on he has changed the game.

“I think at one point on Saturday he made a block at 2-1 with a minute left.

“That’s the type of player he is, he wears his heart on his sleeve and for him to come on, and win us the penalty that won us the match, was brilliant.

“Of course he’s disappointed not to start every game but he never throws his dummy out of the pram, he gets his head down and puts in a right good shift for the team.”

With Tom Cairney ruled out through suspension Varney, who is yet to score in 24 appearances for Rovers, 20 of which have come from the bench, is in contention to make his first league start of the season against Middlesbrough.

But one player certain to be named in Bowyer’s starting line-up at the Riverside is midfielder Corry Evans.

“Corry was outstanding against Leeds on Saturday,” said Bowyer.

“Both him and Lee Williamson have been impressive over the last couple of weeks.

“They have to get through a lot running but there’s no moaning from the pair of them.

“They just get on with it and it’s pleasing to see.”

Bowyer, given the opportunity, has not ruled out bolstering his ranks before the window for loan signings shuts tomorrow.

With Josh King still unavailable through a back problem, it is believed he would like to add another attacker with pace.

Leicester City’s Wales U21s international Tom Lawrence, who has yet to feature for the Foxes since his summer switch from Manchester United, has been linked with a move to Rovers.